Jonathan I. Israel
- Published in print:
- 2001
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780198206088
- eISBN:
- 9780191676970
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198206088.003.0018
- Subject:
- History, History of Ideas, European Modern History
The most enigmatic and controversial, as well as probably the single most widely read and influential thinker of the Early Enlightenment, was the ‘philosopher of Rotterdam’ — Pierre Bayle ...
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The most enigmatic and controversial, as well as probably the single most widely read and influential thinker of the Early Enlightenment, was the ‘philosopher of Rotterdam’ — Pierre Bayle (1647–1706). Though banned in France and the rest of Catholic Europe, his works were read everywhere and by everyone who claimed any sort of acquaintance with contemporary European intellectual life. Bayle is strictly speaking neither a sceptic nor a ‘fideist’. His position is that philosophical reason is the only tool we have to separate truth from falsehood, the only secure criterion, and that, consequently, by its nature religious faith can never be based on reason.Less
The most enigmatic and controversial, as well as probably the single most widely read and influential thinker of the Early Enlightenment, was the ‘philosopher of Rotterdam’ — Pierre Bayle (1647–1706). Though banned in France and the rest of Catholic Europe, his works were read everywhere and by everyone who claimed any sort of acquaintance with contemporary European intellectual life. Bayle is strictly speaking neither a sceptic nor a ‘fideist’. His position is that philosophical reason is the only tool we have to separate truth from falsehood, the only secure criterion, and that, consequently, by its nature religious faith can never be based on reason.
John Kilcullen
- Published in print:
- 1988
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780198266914
- eISBN:
- 9780191683114
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198266914.003.0001
- Subject:
- Religion, Philosophy of Religion
This introductory chapter presents an overview of the four chapters featured in this volume. The chapters all arose in one way or another from reflection on Pierre Bayle's Philosophical Commentary on ...
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This introductory chapter presents an overview of the four chapters featured in this volume. The chapters all arose in one way or another from reflection on Pierre Bayle's Philosophical Commentary on the Words of the Gospel, ‘Compel them to come in’, one of the classics of the 17th-century debate about religious toleration. Bayle wrote the Philosophical Commentary to advocate religious toleration at a time when it seemed almost a lost cause. Deeply committed to that cause, he was also an enemy to faulty reasoning even from himself. A man of sharp intelligence, in philosophy and theology he was very well informed.Less
This introductory chapter presents an overview of the four chapters featured in this volume. The chapters all arose in one way or another from reflection on Pierre Bayle's Philosophical Commentary on the Words of the Gospel, ‘Compel them to come in’, one of the classics of the 17th-century debate about religious toleration. Bayle wrote the Philosophical Commentary to advocate religious toleration at a time when it seemed almost a lost cause. Deeply committed to that cause, he was also an enemy to faulty reasoning even from himself. A man of sharp intelligence, in philosophy and theology he was very well informed.
Paul Russell
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- May 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780195110333
- eISBN:
- 9780199872084
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195110333.003.0005
- Subject:
- Philosophy, History of Philosophy
The early responses to the Treatise show that the issue of “atheism” was neither peripheral nor irrelevant to the way that Hume's own contemporaries understood his aims and objectives. Most ...
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The early responses to the Treatise show that the issue of “atheism” was neither peripheral nor irrelevant to the way that Hume's own contemporaries understood his aims and objectives. Most contemporary Hume scholars maintain, however, that this label, not only misrepresents Hume's intentions in the Treatise but that it also misrepresents his position on the subject of religion as presented in his later writings (which are understood to be more “directly” or “explicitly” concerned with religion). The immediate aim of this chapter is to develop a clearer understanding of the way that Hume and his contemporaries interpreted “atheism” and the specific doctrines that were associated with it. Once this standard is (back) in place, we will be in a position to determine the extent to which the charge of “atheism” fits the actual content of the Treatise.Less
The early responses to the Treatise show that the issue of “atheism” was neither peripheral nor irrelevant to the way that Hume's own contemporaries understood his aims and objectives. Most contemporary Hume scholars maintain, however, that this label, not only misrepresents Hume's intentions in the Treatise but that it also misrepresents his position on the subject of religion as presented in his later writings (which are understood to be more “directly” or “explicitly” concerned with religion). The immediate aim of this chapter is to develop a clearer understanding of the way that Hume and his contemporaries interpreted “atheism” and the specific doctrines that were associated with it. Once this standard is (back) in place, we will be in a position to determine the extent to which the charge of “atheism” fits the actual content of the Treatise.
John Kilcullen
- Published in print:
- 1988
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780198266914
- eISBN:
- 9780191683114
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198266914.001.0001
- Subject:
- Religion, Philosophy of Religion
The chapters in this book reflect upon Pierre Bayle's Philosophical Commentary on the Words of the Gospel ‘Compel them to come in’, which appeared in parts in 1686–88, a classic statement of the case ...
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The chapters in this book reflect upon Pierre Bayle's Philosophical Commentary on the Words of the Gospel ‘Compel them to come in’, which appeared in parts in 1686–88, a classic statement of the case for toleration. The first two chapters are concerned with controversies about religious toleration in the 17th century, and the rest discuss philosophical questions relating to toleration and to the broader liberal idea of an open society. Three of the chapters originally appeared in the Philosophy Research Archives and are reproduced here with alterations.Less
The chapters in this book reflect upon Pierre Bayle's Philosophical Commentary on the Words of the Gospel ‘Compel them to come in’, which appeared in parts in 1686–88, a classic statement of the case for toleration. The first two chapters are concerned with controversies about religious toleration in the 17th century, and the rest discuss philosophical questions relating to toleration and to the broader liberal idea of an open society. Three of the chapters originally appeared in the Philosophy Research Archives and are reproduced here with alterations.
Mara van der Lugt
- Published in print:
- 2016
- Published Online:
- May 2016
- ISBN:
- 9780198769262
- eISBN:
- 9780191822346
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198769262.003.0003
- Subject:
- History, European Early Modern History
This chapter opens by documenting the heated theological–political polemic between Bayle and his former friend Pierre Jurieu, which ran directly parallel to the genesis of the Dictionnaire in the ...
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This chapter opens by documenting the heated theological–political polemic between Bayle and his former friend Pierre Jurieu, which ran directly parallel to the genesis of the Dictionnaire in the 1690s. It demonstrates the various ways in which Bayle uses Jurieu, throughout the Dictionnaire, as a dialectical tool for reflecting on the ethics of scholarly debate and the limits of free speech in the Republic of Letters, which, ideally, should be a sphere completely independent from the political state. It traces the evolution of Bayle’s thought on calumny and (self-)censorship and shows how Bayle engages with such questions throughout the Dictionnaire, by studying and commenting on actual scholarly debates in the real Republic of Letters, and how he tries to save the Republic’s ideal self-regulating liberty from calumniators such as Jurieu.Less
This chapter opens by documenting the heated theological–political polemic between Bayle and his former friend Pierre Jurieu, which ran directly parallel to the genesis of the Dictionnaire in the 1690s. It demonstrates the various ways in which Bayle uses Jurieu, throughout the Dictionnaire, as a dialectical tool for reflecting on the ethics of scholarly debate and the limits of free speech in the Republic of Letters, which, ideally, should be a sphere completely independent from the political state. It traces the evolution of Bayle’s thought on calumny and (self-)censorship and shows how Bayle engages with such questions throughout the Dictionnaire, by studying and commenting on actual scholarly debates in the real Republic of Letters, and how he tries to save the Republic’s ideal self-regulating liberty from calumniators such as Jurieu.
Jean Bernier
- Published in print:
- 2017
- Published Online:
- November 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780198806837
- eISBN:
- 9780191844379
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/oso/9780198806837.003.0012
- Subject:
- Religion, Biblical Studies
The Huguenot refugee Pierre Bayle (1647–1706) quickly gained fame in the Republic of Letters as an omnivorous reader and prolific writer. He also touched upon the interpretation of biblical texts, ...
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The Huguenot refugee Pierre Bayle (1647–1706) quickly gained fame in the Republic of Letters as an omnivorous reader and prolific writer. He also touched upon the interpretation of biblical texts, but his interest in the subject developed only gradually. This chapter distinguishes four periods. In the first stage, Bayle studied the Bible thoroughly, but without any knowledge of biblical criticism. Nonetheless he thought that ‘a clever man’ could profit from it in order to arrive at a better understanding of the Bible. In his second phase, a genuine interest in biblical criticism was fuelled by Richard Simon’s attacks on the reliability of the text. In the third phase, Bayle ventured to acclaim Simon’s highly controversial works for their precise and balanced judgements on many delicate religious issues. Finally, in the Dictionaire historique et critique Bayle engaged in the practice of biblical criticism himself.Less
The Huguenot refugee Pierre Bayle (1647–1706) quickly gained fame in the Republic of Letters as an omnivorous reader and prolific writer. He also touched upon the interpretation of biblical texts, but his interest in the subject developed only gradually. This chapter distinguishes four periods. In the first stage, Bayle studied the Bible thoroughly, but without any knowledge of biblical criticism. Nonetheless he thought that ‘a clever man’ could profit from it in order to arrive at a better understanding of the Bible. In his second phase, a genuine interest in biblical criticism was fuelled by Richard Simon’s attacks on the reliability of the text. In the third phase, Bayle ventured to acclaim Simon’s highly controversial works for their precise and balanced judgements on many delicate religious issues. Finally, in the Dictionaire historique et critique Bayle engaged in the practice of biblical criticism himself.
Mara van der Lugt
- Published in print:
- 2016
- Published Online:
- May 2016
- ISBN:
- 9780198769262
- eISBN:
- 9780191822346
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198769262.003.0006
- Subject:
- History, European Early Modern History
This chapter analyses the second edition of the Dictionnaire, published in 1702. After the first edition had been censured by the Church authorities for its heretical and obscene passages, Bayle ...
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This chapter analyses the second edition of the Dictionnaire, published in 1702. After the first edition had been censured by the Church authorities for its heretical and obscene passages, Bayle promised to amend and clarify the offending articles. However, Bayle hardly retracted any of his previous statements in the second edition: rather, he repeated and expanded them, and his ‘Clarifications’ only complicated matters further. Furthermore, the second edition contains a multilayered reflection on the nature of second editions in general, and how they should be read differently from first editions—for in second editions authors can repair their reputations by adjusting or removing any statements deemed heterodox by the censor. This chapter exposes the complex character of Bayle’s second edition and the important role played by Jurieu in the structure of Bayle’s apologetics. It argues that comparing different editions is a crucial part of reading the Dictionnaire.Less
This chapter analyses the second edition of the Dictionnaire, published in 1702. After the first edition had been censured by the Church authorities for its heretical and obscene passages, Bayle promised to amend and clarify the offending articles. However, Bayle hardly retracted any of his previous statements in the second edition: rather, he repeated and expanded them, and his ‘Clarifications’ only complicated matters further. Furthermore, the second edition contains a multilayered reflection on the nature of second editions in general, and how they should be read differently from first editions—for in second editions authors can repair their reputations by adjusting or removing any statements deemed heterodox by the censor. This chapter exposes the complex character of Bayle’s second edition and the important role played by Jurieu in the structure of Bayle’s apologetics. It argues that comparing different editions is a crucial part of reading the Dictionnaire.
Mara van der Lugt
- Published in print:
- 2016
- Published Online:
- May 2016
- ISBN:
- 9780198769262
- eISBN:
- 9780191822346
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198769262.003.0004
- Subject:
- History, European Early Modern History
This chapter investigates Bayle’s critical engagement with Jurieu in the context of the intersecting themes of religious fanaticism and intolerance. The Dutch Refuge of the 1690s was marked by a ...
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This chapter investigates Bayle’s critical engagement with Jurieu in the context of the intersecting themes of religious fanaticism and intolerance. The Dutch Refuge of the 1690s was marked by a political division between those (like Bayle) who believed the Huguenots should remain obedient to Louis XIV, and those (like Jurieu) who defended the option of rebelling against the French king and supporting the Protestant princes of Europe in making war against Catholic France. Bayle’s concern over Jurieu’s political attitudes left a profound mark on various articles in the Dictionnaire, which analyse how fanaticism is related to religious violence and intolerance, and discuss the practical problem of how fanatics can be distinguished from religious impostors. The chapter also shows the important role played by Bayle’s Erasmian pacifism in both his political theory and philosophy of toleration.Less
This chapter investigates Bayle’s critical engagement with Jurieu in the context of the intersecting themes of religious fanaticism and intolerance. The Dutch Refuge of the 1690s was marked by a political division between those (like Bayle) who believed the Huguenots should remain obedient to Louis XIV, and those (like Jurieu) who defended the option of rebelling against the French king and supporting the Protestant princes of Europe in making war against Catholic France. Bayle’s concern over Jurieu’s political attitudes left a profound mark on various articles in the Dictionnaire, which analyse how fanaticism is related to religious violence and intolerance, and discuss the practical problem of how fanatics can be distinguished from religious impostors. The chapter also shows the important role played by Bayle’s Erasmian pacifism in both his political theory and philosophy of toleration.
Mara van der Lugt
- Published in print:
- 2016
- Published Online:
- May 2016
- ISBN:
- 9780198769262
- eISBN:
- 9780191822346
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198769262.003.0002
- Subject:
- History, European Early Modern History
This chapter demonstrates how the interplay of argument, style, and structure functions in the Dictionnaire Historique et Critique, and argues that any interpretation of the work must be grounded in ...
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This chapter demonstrates how the interplay of argument, style, and structure functions in the Dictionnaire Historique et Critique, and argues that any interpretation of the work must be grounded in an understanding of its textual mechanics as well as of its historical-political context. The chapter begins by discussing the genesis of the Dictionnaire, from its original conception as a ‘dictionary of errors’ in 1689 to the first edition in 1696. This is followed by an exposition of the structural division of Bayle’s text into three segments: the main article, the Remarks, and the marginal notes. It then explores Bayle’s use of cross-references to continue philosophical discussions through different contexts and editions, as well as his introduction of historical-fictional characters to voice the most radical and heretical arguments in the Dictionnaire. Finally, it discusses how the presence of these ‘voices of Bayle’ complicates the hermeneutical debate.Less
This chapter demonstrates how the interplay of argument, style, and structure functions in the Dictionnaire Historique et Critique, and argues that any interpretation of the work must be grounded in an understanding of its textual mechanics as well as of its historical-political context. The chapter begins by discussing the genesis of the Dictionnaire, from its original conception as a ‘dictionary of errors’ in 1689 to the first edition in 1696. This is followed by an exposition of the structural division of Bayle’s text into three segments: the main article, the Remarks, and the marginal notes. It then explores Bayle’s use of cross-references to continue philosophical discussions through different contexts and editions, as well as his introduction of historical-fictional characters to voice the most radical and heretical arguments in the Dictionnaire. Finally, it discusses how the presence of these ‘voices of Bayle’ complicates the hermeneutical debate.
Giovanni Tarantino
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- September 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780199227044
- eISBN:
- 9780191739309
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199227044.003.0002
- Subject:
- Philosophy, History of Philosophy, Philosophy of Religion
In 1674, Martin Clifford, a secretly atheist headmaster entrusted with the task of moulding the future governing class among young men in London, anonymously published a treatise calling for a ...
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In 1674, Martin Clifford, a secretly atheist headmaster entrusted with the task of moulding the future governing class among young men in London, anonymously published a treatise calling for a critical confutation of constituted authority, faith in one’s own rational convictions, and tolerance towards other people’s opinions and beliefs. Clifford’s book circulated widely in erudite circles in Europe, in the form of a French translation by the Unitarian William Popple, adding fresh impetus to the long-running debate on toleration between Jurieu, Saurin, and Bayle. Clifford’s (and Locke’s) translator, Popple, had direct experience of what it was like to be a member of a minority both in post-Revocation France — he was a Protestant exile there — and in England, as a Unitarian rationalist excluded from the benefits of the Toleration Act. Jurieu claimed that Bayle drew on the ‘libertine theology’ expressed in the Traité de la raison humaine, the watered-down French version of the Treatise.Less
In 1674, Martin Clifford, a secretly atheist headmaster entrusted with the task of moulding the future governing class among young men in London, anonymously published a treatise calling for a critical confutation of constituted authority, faith in one’s own rational convictions, and tolerance towards other people’s opinions and beliefs. Clifford’s book circulated widely in erudite circles in Europe, in the form of a French translation by the Unitarian William Popple, adding fresh impetus to the long-running debate on toleration between Jurieu, Saurin, and Bayle. Clifford’s (and Locke’s) translator, Popple, had direct experience of what it was like to be a member of a minority both in post-Revocation France — he was a Protestant exile there — and in England, as a Unitarian rationalist excluded from the benefits of the Toleration Act. Jurieu claimed that Bayle drew on the ‘libertine theology’ expressed in the Traité de la raison humaine, the watered-down French version of the Treatise.
Christopher Brooke
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- October 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780691152080
- eISBN:
- 9781400842414
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Princeton University Press
- DOI:
- 10.23943/princeton/9780691152080.003.0007
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Political Philosophy
This chapter explores the wider and largely Continental story of how the Stoics became atheists. The Neostoicisms of the late sixteenth and early seventeenth century had been explicitly intended as ...
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This chapter explores the wider and largely Continental story of how the Stoics became atheists. The Neostoicisms of the late sixteenth and early seventeenth century had been explicitly intended as supplements to mainstream varieties of Christianity. Indeed, even Lipsius remained consistent with his argument that Stoicism, with respect to both its ethics and its physics, provided an appropriate philosophical framework for a well-lived Christian life. Though a number of factors during the seventeenth century had contributed to the Stoics' atheistic turn, as this chapter shows, this shift within Stoicism is credited to Benedict Spinoza and his detailed examinations on the nature of God.Less
This chapter explores the wider and largely Continental story of how the Stoics became atheists. The Neostoicisms of the late sixteenth and early seventeenth century had been explicitly intended as supplements to mainstream varieties of Christianity. Indeed, even Lipsius remained consistent with his argument that Stoicism, with respect to both its ethics and its physics, provided an appropriate philosophical framework for a well-lived Christian life. Though a number of factors during the seventeenth century had contributed to the Stoics' atheistic turn, as this chapter shows, this shift within Stoicism is credited to Benedict Spinoza and his detailed examinations on the nature of God.
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- March 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780226473154
- eISBN:
- 9780226473178
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University of Chicago Press
- DOI:
- 10.7208/chicago/9780226473178.003.0005
- Subject:
- Political Science, Political Theory
Pierre Bayle has entertained readers with his fireworks, his deflation of pretensions, his frequent off-color insinuations, and his bravura performances. These features made Bayle's Historical and ...
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Pierre Bayle has entertained readers with his fireworks, his deflation of pretensions, his frequent off-color insinuations, and his bravura performances. These features made Bayle's Historical and Critical Dictionary an internationally acclaimed work until the eighteenth century. A master of erudition as well as artful presentation and manipulation, Bayle wrote and argued in a manner that would draw some at least to ponder what he might really think. This was a point recognized by competent readers of the past, including Denis Diderot, Doris Lessing, and Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche. One of the Dictionary's major aims is to detect and correct others' errors, and Bayle shows in detail the faithlessness of others. He offers Suetonius's history as a model to emulate. He finds much to admire, and at the same time much to deplore, in the works of the ancient historians.Less
Pierre Bayle has entertained readers with his fireworks, his deflation of pretensions, his frequent off-color insinuations, and his bravura performances. These features made Bayle's Historical and Critical Dictionary an internationally acclaimed work until the eighteenth century. A master of erudition as well as artful presentation and manipulation, Bayle wrote and argued in a manner that would draw some at least to ponder what he might really think. This was a point recognized by competent readers of the past, including Denis Diderot, Doris Lessing, and Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche. One of the Dictionary's major aims is to detect and correct others' errors, and Bayle shows in detail the faithlessness of others. He offers Suetonius's history as a model to emulate. He finds much to admire, and at the same time much to deplore, in the works of the ancient historians.
Mara van der Lugt
- Published in print:
- 2016
- Published Online:
- May 2016
- ISBN:
- 9780198769262
- eISBN:
- 9780191822346
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198769262.003.0005
- Subject:
- History, European Early Modern History
This chapter examines Bayle’s curious espousal of Jurieu’s theology in various articles of the Dictionnaire. Jurieu had published various theological works in which he argued that religious belief ...
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This chapter examines Bayle’s curious espousal of Jurieu’s theology in various articles of the Dictionnaire. Jurieu had published various theological works in which he argued that religious belief must be based on the blind submission of reason to faith. Although Bayle’s early writings resist any such irrationalist theology, this changes in the Dictionnaire, where, in the context of the problem of evil, Bayle draws from Jurieu theological works to argue that this problem is rationally insoluble. Bayle’s stance on the conflict between faith and reason now mirrors that of Jurieu, which is precisely the kind of religious irrationalism he attacked in his earlier works. At the same time, Bayle appears to be complicating Jurieu’s position by radicalizing it. This chapter traces this thread of changing and possibly contradictory engagements with Jurieu, and shows the crucial role played by Jurieu’s theological works in the first edition of the Dictionnaire.Less
This chapter examines Bayle’s curious espousal of Jurieu’s theology in various articles of the Dictionnaire. Jurieu had published various theological works in which he argued that religious belief must be based on the blind submission of reason to faith. Although Bayle’s early writings resist any such irrationalist theology, this changes in the Dictionnaire, where, in the context of the problem of evil, Bayle draws from Jurieu theological works to argue that this problem is rationally insoluble. Bayle’s stance on the conflict between faith and reason now mirrors that of Jurieu, which is precisely the kind of religious irrationalism he attacked in his earlier works. At the same time, Bayle appears to be complicating Jurieu’s position by radicalizing it. This chapter traces this thread of changing and possibly contradictory engagements with Jurieu, and shows the crucial role played by Jurieu’s theological works in the first edition of the Dictionnaire.
Mara van der Lugt
- Published in print:
- 2016
- Published Online:
- May 2016
- ISBN:
- 9780198769262
- eISBN:
- 9780191822346
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198769262.003.0001
- Subject:
- History, European Early Modern History
The Introduction briefly introduces the historiographical debate on interpreting Bayle, and proposes to establish a new way of reading the Dictionnaire, under a dual premise: first, that the work can ...
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The Introduction briefly introduces the historiographical debate on interpreting Bayle, and proposes to establish a new way of reading the Dictionnaire, under a dual premise: first, that the work can only be rightly understood when placed within the immediate context of its production in the 1690s; second, that it is only through an appreciation of the mechanics of the work as a whole, and of the role played by its structural and stylistic particularities, that we can attain an appropriate interpretation of its parts. It also sketches the relevance of this debate for three wider historical themes: the Republic of Letters, the origins of the Enlightenment, and the history of the Dutch Refuge.Less
The Introduction briefly introduces the historiographical debate on interpreting Bayle, and proposes to establish a new way of reading the Dictionnaire, under a dual premise: first, that the work can only be rightly understood when placed within the immediate context of its production in the 1690s; second, that it is only through an appreciation of the mechanics of the work as a whole, and of the role played by its structural and stylistic particularities, that we can attain an appropriate interpretation of its parts. It also sketches the relevance of this debate for three wider historical themes: the Republic of Letters, the origins of the Enlightenment, and the history of the Dutch Refuge.
Paul Russell
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- May 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780195110333
- eISBN:
- 9780199872084
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195110333.003.0015
- Subject:
- Philosophy, History of Philosophy
This chapter provides a general interpretation of the irreligious character of Hume's sceptical intentions in the Treatise. Although the Treatise remains the primary concern, the discussion also ...
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This chapter provides a general interpretation of the irreligious character of Hume's sceptical intentions in the Treatise. Although the Treatise remains the primary concern, the discussion also covers Hume's later philosophical works. Hume's basic aim is to reveal the “weakness and uncertainty of mere human reason" so that he can show that all speculations that reach beyond “the common affairs of life"—specifically, those that are encouraged by “superstition"—should be abandoned. This is the principal lesson of the Conclusion of Book I (T, 1.4.7). This general account of Hume's skeptical commitments serves as the foundation for a solution to the problem of the “riddle” of the Treatise. Less
This chapter provides a general interpretation of the irreligious character of Hume's sceptical intentions in the Treatise. Although the Treatise remains the primary concern, the discussion also covers Hume's later philosophical works. Hume's basic aim is to reveal the “weakness and uncertainty of mere human reason" so that he can show that all speculations that reach beyond “the common affairs of life"—specifically, those that are encouraged by “superstition"—should be abandoned. This is the principal lesson of the Conclusion of Book I (T, 1.4.7). This general account of Hume's skeptical commitments serves as the foundation for a solution to the problem of the “riddle” of the Treatise.
Paul Russell
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- May 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780195110333
- eISBN:
- 9780199872084
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195110333.003.0017
- Subject:
- Philosophy, History of Philosophy
According to the irreligious interpretation, there are two key claims that Hume seeks to establish in the Treatise in respect of morality. The first is that Hume defends the “autonomy of morality” in ...
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According to the irreligious interpretation, there are two key claims that Hume seeks to establish in the Treatise in respect of morality. The first is that Hume defends the “autonomy of morality” in relation to religion. The foundations of moral and political life, he holds, rest with our human nature, not with the doctrines and dogmas of (Christian) religion. Closely connected with this issue, Hume also aims to show that “speculative atheism” does not imply “practical atheism” or any kind of “moral licentiousness.” Taken together, these two components of Hume's moral system constitute a defence and interpretation of “virtuous atheism.”Less
According to the irreligious interpretation, there are two key claims that Hume seeks to establish in the Treatise in respect of morality. The first is that Hume defends the “autonomy of morality” in relation to religion. The foundations of moral and political life, he holds, rest with our human nature, not with the doctrines and dogmas of (Christian) religion. Closely connected with this issue, Hume also aims to show that “speculative atheism” does not imply “practical atheism” or any kind of “moral licentiousness.” Taken together, these two components of Hume's moral system constitute a defence and interpretation of “virtuous atheism.”
Mara van der Lugt
- Published in print:
- 2016
- Published Online:
- May 2016
- ISBN:
- 9780198769262
- eISBN:
- 9780191822346
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198769262.001.0001
- Subject:
- History, European Early Modern History
This book presents a new study of Pierre Bayle’s Dictionnaire Historique et Critique (1696), with special reference to Bayle’s polemical engagement with the theologian Pierre Jurieu. While recent ...
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This book presents a new study of Pierre Bayle’s Dictionnaire Historique et Critique (1696), with special reference to Bayle’s polemical engagement with the theologian Pierre Jurieu. While recent years have seen a surge of interest in Bayle, there is as yet no consensus on how to interpret Bayle’s ambiguous stance on reason and religion, and how to make sense of the Dictionnaire. This book aims to establish a new method for reading the Dictionnaire under a dual premise: first, that the work can only be rightly understood when placed within the immediate context of its production in the 1690s; second, that it is only through an appreciation of the mechanics of the work as a whole, and of the role played by its structural and stylistic particularities, that we can attain an appropriate interpretation of its parts. Special attention is paid to the heated theological–political conflict between Bayle and Jurieu in the 1690s, which had a profound influence on the project of the dictionary and on several of its major themes, such as the tensions in the relationship between the intellectual sphere of the Republic of Letters and the political state, but also the danger of religious fanaticism spurring intolerance and war. The final chapters demonstrate that Bayle’s clash with Jurieu was also one of the driving forces behind Bayle’s reflection on the problem of evil; they expose the fundamentally problematic nature of both Bayle’s theological association with Jurieu, and his self-defence in the second edition of the Dictionnaire.Less
This book presents a new study of Pierre Bayle’s Dictionnaire Historique et Critique (1696), with special reference to Bayle’s polemical engagement with the theologian Pierre Jurieu. While recent years have seen a surge of interest in Bayle, there is as yet no consensus on how to interpret Bayle’s ambiguous stance on reason and religion, and how to make sense of the Dictionnaire. This book aims to establish a new method for reading the Dictionnaire under a dual premise: first, that the work can only be rightly understood when placed within the immediate context of its production in the 1690s; second, that it is only through an appreciation of the mechanics of the work as a whole, and of the role played by its structural and stylistic particularities, that we can attain an appropriate interpretation of its parts. Special attention is paid to the heated theological–political conflict between Bayle and Jurieu in the 1690s, which had a profound influence on the project of the dictionary and on several of its major themes, such as the tensions in the relationship between the intellectual sphere of the Republic of Letters and the political state, but also the danger of religious fanaticism spurring intolerance and war. The final chapters demonstrate that Bayle’s clash with Jurieu was also one of the driving forces behind Bayle’s reflection on the problem of evil; they expose the fundamentally problematic nature of both Bayle’s theological association with Jurieu, and his self-defence in the second edition of the Dictionnaire.
Maria-Cristina Pitassi
- Published in print:
- 2017
- Published Online:
- November 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780198806837
- eISBN:
- 9780191844379
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/oso/9780198806837.003.0013
- Subject:
- Religion, Biblical Studies
Bayle’s equivocal relationship to Arminianism is here examined from the perspective of the status of the Bible. Though rejecting the doctrine that every word was to be considered divinely inspired, ...
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Bayle’s equivocal relationship to Arminianism is here examined from the perspective of the status of the Bible. Though rejecting the doctrine that every word was to be considered divinely inspired, Bayle did defend the divinity of Scripture in his polemic with Jean Le Clerc. For Le Clerc, biblical criticism could solve theological conflicts by discovering the authentic meaning of Scripture, but Bayle insisted that natural light precedes exegesis, and revelation is limited to those matters that do not conflict with reason. He dissociates himself from Socinianism by distinguishing moral from speculative reason. Only moral reason offers an absolute norm. Bayle disregards the Arminian distinction between what is against reason and what is beyond reason. His Commentaire philosophique juxtaposes the natural light that can identify divine elements in the Bible with our historical reality that frustrates its capacity for apprehending religious truths. Thus Bayle inevitably clashes with the Arminian tradition.Less
Bayle’s equivocal relationship to Arminianism is here examined from the perspective of the status of the Bible. Though rejecting the doctrine that every word was to be considered divinely inspired, Bayle did defend the divinity of Scripture in his polemic with Jean Le Clerc. For Le Clerc, biblical criticism could solve theological conflicts by discovering the authentic meaning of Scripture, but Bayle insisted that natural light precedes exegesis, and revelation is limited to those matters that do not conflict with reason. He dissociates himself from Socinianism by distinguishing moral from speculative reason. Only moral reason offers an absolute norm. Bayle disregards the Arminian distinction between what is against reason and what is beyond reason. His Commentaire philosophique juxtaposes the natural light that can identify divine elements in the Bible with our historical reality that frustrates its capacity for apprehending religious truths. Thus Bayle inevitably clashes with the Arminian tradition.
Mara van der Lugt
- Published in print:
- 2016
- Published Online:
- May 2016
- ISBN:
- 9780198769262
- eISBN:
- 9780191822346
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198769262.003.0007
- Subject:
- History, European Early Modern History
The Conclusion briefly discusses Bayle’s writings after the Dictionnaire, in which Bayle repeatedly yet problematically associates his own theological stance with that of Jurieu. It argues that the ...
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The Conclusion briefly discusses Bayle’s writings after the Dictionnaire, in which Bayle repeatedly yet problematically associates his own theological stance with that of Jurieu. It argues that the fundamental problem of Bayle’s engagement with Jurieu in the Dictionnaire is the association, through Jurieu, between fideism and fanaticism: between the Jurieuïte irrationalist foundations for faith and the dangerous tendency of people like Jurieu to become fanatical and intolerant. Without definitively concluding that Bayle is in bad faith in the Dictionnaire, the Conclusion explores the option that there is an element of revenge as well as self-defence in Bayle’s espousal of Jurieu’s theology, which sits oddly with his consistent antagonism in all other respects. However, it also argues that the question of Bayle’s intentions in the Dictionnaire is best left open: that this is the best way to do justice to his arguments, voices, and ambiguities.Less
The Conclusion briefly discusses Bayle’s writings after the Dictionnaire, in which Bayle repeatedly yet problematically associates his own theological stance with that of Jurieu. It argues that the fundamental problem of Bayle’s engagement with Jurieu in the Dictionnaire is the association, through Jurieu, between fideism and fanaticism: between the Jurieuïte irrationalist foundations for faith and the dangerous tendency of people like Jurieu to become fanatical and intolerant. Without definitively concluding that Bayle is in bad faith in the Dictionnaire, the Conclusion explores the option that there is an element of revenge as well as self-defence in Bayle’s espousal of Jurieu’s theology, which sits oddly with his consistent antagonism in all other respects. However, it also argues that the question of Bayle’s intentions in the Dictionnaire is best left open: that this is the best way to do justice to his arguments, voices, and ambiguities.
Robin Douglass
- Published in print:
- 2015
- Published Online:
- April 2015
- ISBN:
- 9780198724964
- eISBN:
- 9780191792441
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198724964.003.0002
- Subject:
- Philosophy, History of Philosophy
This chapter sets out the intellectual context for Rousseau’s engagement with Hobbes by surveying Hobbes’s French reception during the late seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries. The chapter ...
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This chapter sets out the intellectual context for Rousseau’s engagement with Hobbes by surveying Hobbes’s French reception during the late seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries. The chapter first examines how Pierre Nicole and Pierre Bayle drew on Hobbes’s political ideas in their own theories, before assessing the metaphysical and theological elements of Nicholas Malebranche’s critique of Hobbes. It then turns to the natural law context and shows how Jean Barbeyrac and Jean-Jacques Burlamaqui helped to establish a somewhat artificial opposition between Hobbesian Epicureanism and Pufendorfian sociability. The final sections consider how Hobbes’s ideas were attacked by Montesquieu, Denis Diderot, and contributors to the Encyclopédie. The chapter reveals that attacks on Hobbes increased as the eighteenth century progressed, even though many of his ideas appear to have diffused into the thought of the time.Less
This chapter sets out the intellectual context for Rousseau’s engagement with Hobbes by surveying Hobbes’s French reception during the late seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries. The chapter first examines how Pierre Nicole and Pierre Bayle drew on Hobbes’s political ideas in their own theories, before assessing the metaphysical and theological elements of Nicholas Malebranche’s critique of Hobbes. It then turns to the natural law context and shows how Jean Barbeyrac and Jean-Jacques Burlamaqui helped to establish a somewhat artificial opposition between Hobbesian Epicureanism and Pufendorfian sociability. The final sections consider how Hobbes’s ideas were attacked by Montesquieu, Denis Diderot, and contributors to the Encyclopédie. The chapter reveals that attacks on Hobbes increased as the eighteenth century progressed, even though many of his ideas appear to have diffused into the thought of the time.
