Up@dawn 2.0

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Voltaire, Leibniz, and Candide: Section 14, Group 2

Hiya!

Today's topic was the wonderful world of Voltaire, Leibniz, and the heavy satire that is Voltaire's Play/Book under the title of "Candide" (Pronounced Can-deed)

Voltaire was mostly known for his satire - He was a deist, much like some of the American Founding Fathers, was in fact close friends with Benjamin Franklin despite living in France, believed in tolerance of religion and race.

Leibniz was German, however. He was one of the great Mathematicians and managed to derive Calculus independently from Isaac Newton, however his Philosophy was heavily religious and optimistic, believing that this world was the best possible one. The beliefs were heavily satired in "Candide," where a caricature of Leibniz by a different name saw great suffering and claimed it as "for the best"

I think these philosophers weren't necessarily opposites, rather instead Voltaire was so heavily critical of Leibniz that he felt the need to public a satirical work involving him.

Two questions, and feel free to post your own:
1) Who wrote the famous play/book that criticized Leibniz's philosophical views? Voltaire
2) What religious views did Voltaire share with Thomas Jefferson? Deism

3 comments:

  1. Ashley Eppert9:48 AM CDT

    I liked Voltaire and his views on peoples rights and free speech. That must have been quite the obstacle back then.
    Factual Question: what quote did Voltaire give in reference to his views on freedom of speech?
    -"I hate what you say, but will defend to the death your right to say it"

    Discussion Question: Do you agree with Leibniz to some extent on how everything happens for a reason?

    ReplyDelete
  2. Jason Thomas10:43 AM CDT

    I agree with Ashley, his views on peoples right and free speech were fantastic.

    Dsicussion Question: Do you agree with Voltaire's quote above?

    ReplyDelete
  3. Stacie Culver (Section 14, Group 2)6:12 PM CDT

    As we discussed Voltaire and Leibniz, like Jonathon said, I did not find them to exactly be opposites. Especially when reading the description of Voltaires novel, Candide, I feel as though Voltaire sees Leibniz as lower than himself. He mocks him so harshly that I almost wonder how people took Voltaire seriously.

    Factual Question: What is the only kind of evil that Leibniz says exists?
    -The evil needed to bring about the best possible world


    Discussion Question: What do you think about Voltaires' Candide. Do you think it is a harsh or fair representation of Leibniz?

    ReplyDelete

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