AP+TS+2013+Voltaire



François-Marie d'Arouet, more commonly known as Voltaire, was an activist of Enlightenment throughout the eighteenth-century that was only successful contributing to the new philosophy in one aspect. Voltaire did not provide any new or original ideas to the movement, but he did present these ideas in an entirely unique way compared to other partakers of the Enlightenment movement. He seeked to enlighten individuals through his use of language and through his ingenious use of style and genre, which “he found means of popularizing and promulgating ideas which until then had generally been clandestine” (Cronk). Primarily, Voltaire’s goal was to make the previously secretive thoughts and concepts known to those involved in the growing philosophy. But also, Voltaire seeked for outside individuals to join the movement. He advocated “...toward political and intellectual change” (Shank) and enforced the “fighting to eradicate error and superstition from the world” (Shank). In a time period prominently controlled by religion, it would be difficult to alter the minds to go against any form of superstitious thinking. However, through presenting the ideas of Enlightenment in a new and unique form, along with bringing forth the once covert concepts, Voltaire became successful to contributing to the Enlightenment.
 * Audience - Sam**

Shank, J.B. "Voltaire" The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (2010): n. pag. Web. 15 November 2013. Cronk, N.E. “Voltaire and Enlightenment” The Voltaire Foundation. University of Oxford, n.d. Web. 17 November 2013.

Voltaire, born François-Marie d’Arouet, was a French writer contributed to the eighteenth century movement of Enlightenment. While his ideas were no original for the time period, Voltaire was still able to present them in his own way. Voltaire presented his ideas throughout his writings and even “directed many of his critical writings against the philosophical pretensions of recognized philosophers such as Leibniz, Malebranche, and Descartes” (Shank). This was the aim that Voltaire had. He wanted to put the ideas that went against other philosophers of the time out into the world for those that supported the same ideas. He also fought “against the limitations of censorship, religious dogma, intolerance, and the institutions of his time,” (Voltaire - Biography). Voltaire was also able to fight all of those through his writings. What Voltaire stood for and believed in, he was able to using his many plays and stories to achieve this goal. Overall, the aim that Voltaire had during this time was to fight against the censorship, religious dogma, etc. and to support the ideas of others from the Enlightenment period.
 * Aim- Olivia **

"Voltaire - Biography." The European Graduate School. The European Graduate School, n.d. Web. 15 Nov. 2013. Shank, J.B. "Voltaire" The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (2010): n. pag. Web. 15 November 2013.

**Historical- Natalie**

Voltaire influenced his historical time period mostly by starting the Enlightenment movement in Europe during the 18th century. His philosophies are ultimately what lead to this age of knowledge and discovery. Voltaire was also able to clarify the difference between science and philosophy and was able to develop modern philosophy from this contrast between them. From 1755 to 1778, Voltaire was, “announcing himself as a member of the ‘party of humanity’ and devoting himself toward waging war against the twin hydras of fanaticism and superstition” (Shank). Voltaire could not agree with the views that these movements provided and sought to destroy them. This further contributed to his historical impact through his mission to eradicate the fanaticism and superstition ideals in his society. He also helped to shape what philosophy was based on in the Western Hemisphere, especially since, “Western philosophy was profoundly shaped by the conception of the philosophe and the program for Enlightenment philosophie that Voltaire came to personify” (Shank). Voltaire was the cornerstone upon which Western philosophy was built, also adding to his historical impact on his society. He further changed the way history was even analyzed because, “Voltaire’s writing in history challenged the common conception at the time that historiography dealt with big political, military, and diplomatic events” (“Voltaire - Biography”). He was able to become a force to be reckoned with historically because of these written works that did challenge so many aspects of his society. This effect ultimately got amplified over time to make him into an extremely influential individual that had such a historical impact on the world.

Shank, J.B., Shank,. "Voltaire." Stanford University. Stanford University, 31 Aug. 2009. Web. 15 Nov. 2013. "Voltaire - Biography." The European Graduate School. The European Graduate School, n.d. Web. 15 Nov. 2013.

**Cultural- Jennifer** François-Marie d'Arouet, otherwise known as Voltaire, was a writer and a known activist of Enlightenment. One of voltaire’s biggest successes was introducing this philosophy to Europe. Due to this, the idea of Enlightenment grew and the effects of it can be readily seen today. Voltaire's work has, “...influenced both the French and the American revolutions” (“Voltaire - Biography”). These revolutions has changed the course of history for both France and America’s independence. Although most of voltaire’s philosophies did not come from himself, by putting a spin on previous ideas he was able to influence more people which lead to these revolutions and their belief in what Voltaire said was motivation for their success in these revolutions. Some people believe that, “...Voltaire remains today an iconic hero for everyone who sees a positive linkage between critical reason and political resistance in projects of progressive, modernizing reform” (Shank). Voltaire was only alive to see some of the impact he had on the world, but after his death his influences became more and more apparent. Today, people still read his works in order to analyze some of his main ideas on Enlightenment and how it impacts and parallels to today’s society.

Shank, J.B., Shank,. "Voltaire." Stanford University. Stanford University, 31 Aug. 2009. Web. 15 Nov. 2013. "Voltaire - Biography." The European Graduate School. The European Graduate School, n.d. Web. 15 Nov. 2013.