In the 18th century, France was in a period of active development of capitalism. At this time, the country was preparing for intensive changes and perestroika - this ended with the well-known Bourgeois revolution. It was from this angle that the philosophy of French enlightenment developed.
With a similar course of development, a country, like a nation, needed a certain explanation of events, systematization of knowledge. The Renaissance period in France is characterized by a very negative attitude to the feudal system, to the privileges of representatives of noble origin. The philosophy of French enlightenment criticized religion and perceived the church only as an organ of social influence and a way of manipulating the population.
On the other hand, the greatest minds of that time believed that the root of all evils was the ignorance of ordinary citizens, since the limited mental development interfered with the normal perception of reality, understanding their rights as a person. The social philosophy of French enlightenment was based on the idea of education. At the same time, it was believed that the nobility and the royal family needed education, they needed to explain all the subtleties of government.
The philosophy of French enlightenment and its main directions . During this period of development, three main points of view were clearly formed, each of which had its adherents and followers:
- Deism - this trend rejected the idea of a personal God and the possibility that the divine principle has any influence on the course of events;
- Materialism - developed under the influence of science, especially mechanics. Adherents of this trend believed that philosophy should summarize all scientific data. Of course, the existence of God was categorically rejected. Scientists explained the existence of the world only from the point of view of natural science;
- The socialist, or utopian, direction developed already after the revolution;
Philosophy of French Enlightenment: Voltaire . Perhaps this is one of the most famous figures in the history of culture and philosophy. This famous writer at a certain time abandoned religion and its laws, joining a group of deists. Of course, Voltaire did not give up faith in God. But he believed that God only creates the world, sets him a certain movement and does not prevent things from going on their own.
This famous thinker preached a humane attitude to the common people. Nevertheless, he believed that only a monarchy is the only ideal form of state. He saw the problem only in the rulers and their unwillingness to care for the uneducated poor people.
The philosophy of French enlightenment and its representatives .
J.J. Russo is another rather famous philosopher, writer and teacher. He rejected the authority of the church for its superstition, unjustified cruelty and fanaticism. However, he recognized that the state needs a religion that would make citizens useful members of society. He even created the concept of a “civilian” religion, which implied faith in the afterlife, a fair repayment for actions, a reward for good and punishment for evil.
La Mettrie - was a staunch atheist and rejected the likelihood of God. Moreover, he denied the importance of religion for humanity and believed that true morality comes only with experience. This philosopher was inclined to the idea that every person is born evil, insidious and vicious. And virtue and other positive qualities are acquired in the process of proper education.
Diderot - this scientist had slightly different outlooks on life. He believed that man is naturally born good. Evil occurs when a person grows up. The morality of a nation depends on laws, the social system of government, and the way of life.