The Faith of Reason : The Idea of Progress in the French Enlightenment

A study of the evolution and relevant social context of philosophical ideas on progress, science, nature, and metaphysical faith of reason. Specifically examines the views on progress of Descartes and Pascal in the seventeenth century, the views and influences of French philosophers during the eighteenth century Enlightenment, the use of essential elements in the Cartesian ideas of science and progress, and the relationship of science to society and morals. Includes analysis of philosophers such as Diderot, Voltaire, D'Alembert, Turgot, Condillac, Rousseau, Fontenelle, and Condorcet. Preface Contents Introduction I. The Philosophic Century II. The New Method of Philosophy III. The Experimental Physics of the Soul IV. Philosophy and Physics V. The Insane Idea of Becoming Wholly Reasonable VI. The Reign of Reason and Truth VII. Custom and Nature A Summing Up Selected Bibliography Index