The Discourse of Enlightenment in Eighteenth-Century France: Diderot and the Art of Philosophizing (Cambridge Studies in French, Series Number 42)

This study explores the problems faced by writers of the Enlightenment, who attempted to demystify all previous forms of knowledge by applying rationalist critiques that can in turn be applied to examine their own critical work. It focuses on the works of one of the best-known writers of eighteenth-century France, Denis Diderot, analysing his experimentation with presenting critical knowledge. Paying close attention to the formal-poetic nature of Diderot's writing, his 'art', it examines the interplay between critical knowledge and its representation, between epistemology and aesthetics. Professor Brewer shows how Diderot's work in the areas of philosophy, science, the fine arts and literature pushed Enlightenment critique to its limits, and points to its remarkable similarity to aspects of modern critical theory. This Study Focuses On The Works Of One Of The Best-known Writers Of Eighteenth-century France, Denis Diderot, Whose Experimentation With Presenting Critical Knowledge Exemplifies The Enlightenment's Struggle To Produce A Rationalist Critique Of All Prior Knowledge. Paying Close Attention To The Formal-poetic Nature Of Diderot's Writing, It Examines The Interplay Between Critical Knowledge And Its Representation. Professor Brewer Shows How Diderot's Work In The Areas Of Philosophy, Science, The Fine Arts And Literature Pushed Enlightenment Critique To Its Limits, And Points To Its Remarkable Similarity To Aspects Of Modern Critical Theory. 1. Representing Knowledge: Reading The Encyclopedie -- The Utility Of Myths -- Image And Power -- The Language Of Knowledge -- Grammar's Other -- 2. Enlightenment Critique And Diderot's Art Of Philosophizing -- Translating Interpretation -- Allegorizing Interpretation -- Naturalizing Interpretation -- 3. The Matter Of Judgment And The Art Of Phrasing Sensation -- The Body Of The Letter (i) -- The Body Of The Letter (ii) -- 4. Critical Narratives: Diderot's Salons -- The Breakdown Of Description -- The Short-circuiting Of Mimesis -- Du Plaisir Tout Pur Et Sans Peine -- 5. Embodying Knowledge -- A Jewel Of A Woman -- The Power Of Paradox -- The Art Of A Dream -- 6. Portraying Diderot: The Aftermath -- 7. Interpreting Diderot: Critical Values, Critical Violence. Daniel Brewer. Includes Bibliographical References (p. 262-292) And Index. Conceived initially in 1745 as a business venture consisting of a two-volume translation of Ephraim Chamber's Cyclopedia of 1728, the Encyclopedia project had already outstripped all original plans by the time the first volume of articles appeared in 1751.