Voltaire and the enlightenment view of progress

Authors

  • Rogério Arthmar Professor Associado III Departamento de Economia Mestrado em Economia Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo

Abstract

This paper retrieves the concept of progress developed in Voltaire’s historical works, especially in the books Siècle de Louis XIV and Essai sur les moeurs. Initially, Voltaire’s main literary and scientific sources with respect to this specific field of investigation are examined, pointing out also his prescriptions for a new methodology of historical writing based on reason. In this connection, his view of progress as the apex of civilization in some periods is presented as well. Next, the long term causes of human backwardness and stagnation highlighted by Voltaire are analyzed, followed by a discussion of the main elements he identified as capable of raising society to an unprecedented phase of progress.

Key words: backwardness, liberty, reason, progress.

Author Biography

Rogério Arthmar, Professor Associado III Departamento de Economia Mestrado em Economia Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo

Bacharel em Ciências Econômicas UFRGS 1983

Mestre em Economia UFRGS 1989

Doutor em Economia FEA-USP 1997

 

Downloads

Published

2012-08-28

Issue

Vol. 16 No. 3 (2012): September/December

Section

Articles

License

I grant the journal História Unisinos the first publication of my article, licensed under Creative Commons Attribution license (which allows sharing of work, recognition of authorship and initial publication in this journal).

I confirm that my article is not being submitted to another publication and has not been published in its entirely on another journal. I take full responsibility for its originality and I will also claim responsibility for charges from claims by third parties concerning the authorship of the article.

I also agree that the manuscript will be submitted according to the journal’s publication rules described above.