AP+P2+2014-15+Voltaire

Macee: Audience

Voltaire’s vastly different types of work (plays, novels, poems, etc.) were intended to reach several differing audiences. He was known for his wit and satire, which consequently made him one of the greatest French writers (“The Basics of Philosophy”). Voltaire’s satirical criticism of figures such as the French institutions and Catholic dogma appealed to a vast group of people (“The Basics of Philosophy”). His clear support of civil liberties and social reform attracted an audience that opposed the strict authority of the time period. Voltaire’s works were mainly philosophical, but attracted a large amount of controversy (“Voltaire- Biography”). Voltaire’s opposition to the strict censorship of the times was similar to the people of the time period and appealed to their view on censorship (“The Basics of Philosophy”). Because of the controversy that appeared in the majority of Voltaire’s work, he was popular among people who both supported and opposed his views. Voltaire’s wit, satire, and controversial views attracted large audiences and both appealed to and repelled the opinions of many people.

Citation: Mastin, Luke. "Voltaire (François-Marie Arouet)." //The Basics of Philosophy//. Philosophy Basics, 2008. Web. 6 January 2015. "Voltaire - Biography." //The European Graduate School//. European Graduate School EGS, n.d. Web. 6 January 2015.

Jillian: Aim



Voltaire satirized and criticized many ideals and figureheads in France through his various works. Voltaire’s philosophy and writings have impacted history in a huge way. In fact, “Throughout his 83 years of life, Voltaire wrote numerous philosophical works, works in history, plays, and is considered as, next to Montesquieu, Locke, Rousseau and others, one of the greatest name of the French Enlightenment” (The European Graduate School). His philosophies and ideas made him incredibly well known, but not favorable by many authorities. Through his writings Voltaire was able to express his opinions, oftentimes sparking opposition and controversy. He was well known for opposing the church and intolerance (“Voltaire”). Voltaire led an exciting and eventful life, often speaking out about what he felt were wrong or unjust. His controversial and loud ideas made him both popular and unpopular with many people, leaving an impression for generations to come.

Citation: Mastin, Luke. "Voltaire (François-Marie Arouet)." // The Basics of Philosophy //. Philosophy Basics, 2008. Web. 6 January 2015. "Voltaire - Biography." //The European Graduate School//. European Graduate School EGS, n.d. Web. 6 January 2015.

Cultural: By Sam Fennema



Voltaire was raised in France in 1694, with major cultural aspects of the time impacting his writing. Through the fight between church and state Voltaire found it necessary in his writing to defend religious freedom. Along with doing so he found it an issue that the people were having civil liberties stolen from them. Censorship is a form of abuse which Voltaire would not allow the French authority to impose on the people. Through the writing of Candide, Voltaire satirized such elements of ignorance in allowing censorship or control in order to bring enlightenment. Voltaire fought with his writing, the culture at hand was an unstable one, and his writing impacted it by inspiring both French and American revolutions. The culture at hand shaped how Voltaire would write, and Voltaire’s writing shaped the culture. The instability and flaws Voltaire saw in the culture lead him to fight for religious freedom, free trade, civil liberties, social reform, and strive to assist in enlightenment.

Citation: "Voltaire | Author and Philosopher." //Voltaire | Author and Philosopher//. Lucidcafé, n.d. Web. 6 Jan. 2015. 4 "Voltaire - Biography." //The European Graduate School//. European Graduate School EGS, n.d. Web. 6 January 2015.

Historical Impact of Voltaire Compiler: Gabriel K. Explanation and Analysis: François-Marie Arouet is considered one of the "greatest names" of the French Enlightenment next to Rousseau, Montesquieu, Locke and others. He was a defender of religious freedom, free trade, civil liberties and social reform. He fought against the limitations of censorship, religious dogma, intolerance and the institutions of his time. Much of Voltaire's life was characterized by coming into conflict with French authorities frequently by criticizing government practices and religious intolerance. Voltaire caused considerable controversy wherever he went, including Paris, Potsdam and Geneva. While controversial, Voltaire's influence and popularity stemmed from the clear dichotomy between his beliefs and reality for much of society at the time. Voltaire's writings and philosophy influenced numerous important thinkers of the American and French Revolutions. His philosophy is likely at least in part responsible for bringing about substantial change in government structure around the world. Voltaire also used reason and observation rather than faith to justify the existence of God and was viewed as an anti-Semite although most of his critiques were directed against religion as such and the bible (Mastin). He also wrote a famous critique of Gottfried Leibniz's philosophy of metaphysical optimism, titled Candide. Voltaire is considered one of the greatest thinkers of the French Enlightenment largely due to his controversial and revolutionary thinking.

Sources Cited Mastin, Luke. "Voltaire (François-Marie Arouet)." // The Basics of Philosophy //. Philosophy Basics, 2008. Web. 6 January 2015. "Voltaire - Biography." //The European Graduate School//. European Graduate School EGS, n.d. Web. 6 January 2015.