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Essay / Research Paper Abstract
This 7 page research paper explores the representation of rationalist and empirical philosophy in Voltaire's 1759 novel, Candide. Specifically, these philosophical theories are examined as depicted in the text and in the protagonists Dr. Pangloss and Martin, as well as evidence of Voltaire's personal preference. Bibliography lists 3 sources.
Page Count:
7 pages (~225 words per page)
File: D0_Voltaire.doc
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Unformatted sample text from the term paper:
famous work, Candide (1759), Voltaire sharpens his wit and takes satirical aim at the rationalist philosophy of Gottfried W. Leibniz. Leibnizs philosophical treatise, The Monadology, discusses his belief that
each person or thing is a monad or separate entity which must live in harmony with God, who is the force which initial sets the chain of events within the
universe into action. According to Leibniz, man must accept his life, whether it be good, bad or indifferent because everything ultimately works out for the best. To Voltaire,
no conclusion could be more absurd. Candide describes the traveling adventures of an impressionable and somewhat naive young man whose perceptions are initially shaped by his tutor, Dr. Pangloss, who
is described by Voltaire in this mocking way: "Master Pangloss taught the metaphysico-theologo-cosmolonigology. He could prove to admiration that there is no effect without a cause; and, that in this
best of all possible worlds, the Barons castle was the most magnificent of all castles, and My Lady the best of all possible baronesses. It is demonstrable, said he,
that things cannot be otherwise than as they are; for as all things have been created for some end, they must necessarily be created for the best end" (Voltaire 1-2).
This is a direct attack on Leibniz, who was regarded as a scholar in the fields of metaphysics, theology, and the cosmos. The philosophy of G.W. Leibniz was an
attempt to rationalize how there could be evil in a world that was created by a benevolent God. It is obvious that Voltaires contention is that Leibnizs philosophy more
closely resembles illogic than the logic philosophers devote their lives to studying. Dr. Pangloss is a philosopher who does little in Candide except pontificate his nonsensical views. Voltaire
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