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Kirk Watson

The Ignorant Philosopher

The Ignorant Philosopher

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Voltaire (1694-1778) is known as the witty author of Candide, but he was far more than that. Diderot called him "one of the most astonishing men ever to appear"; he was something like the Asimov of his age, writing in all genres, both creative and factual, poetry and prose. In addition to his literary accomplishments, he was a public voice against injustice, and a warrior for virtue.

The Ignorant Philosopher (1766) is an exploration of what we know and can know about the world, and what practical impact this knowledge should have on our lives. It resembles Descartes' Discourse on Method (1637), providing a first-person narrative outlining his doubts, and how he overcame them in pursuit of the truth. Along the way he discusses the blunders of philosophy and the absurdities of religion; along with innate ideas and whether morality is universal. As ever with Voltaire, his writing is plain and his details are enjoyable.
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