Description
Explore the transformative impact of The Enlightenment on religion with this thought-provoking publication. This critical survey delves into the religious changes in 18th-century Europe, challenging traditional views that have long dominated Enlightenment studies. Unlike typical narratives that praise deism as a vibrant intellectual movement, this book asserts that the real story is far more complex. Focusing on key regions such as Italy, France, and England, it highlights the constructed nature of the assumptions surrounding the Enlightenment. It questions the established myth of the birth of modernity by revealing the absence of substantial deist influence, urging readers to reconsider what truly shaped religious transformations during this pivotal era. The book not only scrutinizes prevalent ideological beliefs but also raises significant methodological concerns regarding the study of 18th-century thought. For students and scholars focused on Enlightenment philosophy, modernity, and historical religious transitions, this publication is an essential resource that will provoke critical discussions and deepen understanding. Its rigorous analysis is timely and relevant, making it a compelling read for anyone eager to grasp the intricate ties between Enlightenment ideas and the evolution of religious thought. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain fresh insights into a transformative period in history. Shipping for this item is free. Please allow up to 6 weeks for delivery. Once your order is placed, it cannot be cancelled. Condition: BRAND NEW. ISBN: 9780719067419. Year: 2004. Publisher: Manchester University Press.
Note: Shipping for this item is free. Please allow up to 6 weeks for delivery. Once your order is placed, it cannot be cancelled.
Condition: BRAND NEW
ISBN: 9780719067419
Year: 2004
Publisher: Manchester University Press
Description:
This publication offers a critical survey of religious change and its causes in 18th-century Europe. It is intended to constitute a radical challenge to the accepted views in traditional Enlightenment studies. Focusing on Enlightenment Italy, France and England, the text illustrates how the canonical view of 18th-century religious change has in reality been constructed upon scant evidence and assumption, in particular the idea that the thought of the enlightened led to modernity. For despite a lack of evidence, one of the fundamental assumptions of Enlightenment studies has been the assertion that there was a vibrant deist movement that formed the "intellectual solvent" of hte 18th century. The central claim of this book is that the immense ideological appeal of the traditional birth-of-modernity myth has meant that the actual lack of deists has been glossed over and a quite misleading historical view has become entrenched. As a consequence more traditional forces for religious change have been given little or no attention.
The book also riases hitherto neglected fundamental methodological issues relating to the study of the 18th century and the ability of "interested" contemporaries to mislead posterity. Given the pervasive topicality of notions of modernity and postmodernity in academia, this book advances an important discussion and should be valuable reading for all students studying the period.
Note: Shipping for this item is free. Please allow up to 6 weeks for delivery. Once your order is placed, it cannot be cancelled.
Condition: BRAND NEW
ISBN: 9780719067419
Year: 2004
Publisher: Manchester University Press
Description:
This publication offers a critical survey of religious change and its causes in 18th-century Europe. It is intended to constitute a radical challenge to the accepted views in traditional Enlightenment studies. Focusing on Enlightenment Italy, France and England, the text illustrates how the canonical view of 18th-century religious change has in reality been constructed upon scant evidence and assumption, in particular the idea that the thought of the enlightened led to modernity. For despite a lack of evidence, one of the fundamental assumptions of Enlightenment studies has been the assertion that there was a vibrant deist movement that formed the "intellectual solvent" of hte 18th century. The central claim of this book is that the immense ideological appeal of the traditional birth-of-modernity myth has meant that the actual lack of deists has been glossed over and a quite misleading historical view has become entrenched. As a consequence more traditional forces for religious change have been given little or no attention.
The book also riases hitherto neglected fundamental methodological issues relating to the study of the 18th century and the ability of "interested" contemporaries to mislead posterity. Given the pervasive topicality of notions of modernity and postmodernity in academia, this book advances an important discussion and should be valuable reading for all students studying the period.