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Description
The programme begins with a quotation from the German 18th century philosopher Leibniz, who was renowned as the Father of Optimism. This philosophy dominated the intellectual climate of mid-18th ce...ntury Europe and it can be summarised in Alexander Pope's famous phrase "Whatever is, is right." This optimism, however, was shaken in 1755 by a shattering earthquake which destroyed the city of Lisbon. Although a number of scientists and divines clung to their optimistic beliefs it was Voltaire who with his Poem on the Lisbon Disaster and his satirical novel Candide put paid to the philosophy of Optimism. Dr. Tony Lentãin traces the changes in 18th century thought, through contemporary documents and writings.
The programme begins with a quotation from the German 18th century philosopher Leibniz, who was renowned as the Father of Optimism. This philosophy dominated the intellectual climate of mid-18th ce...ntury Europe and it can be summarised in Alexander Pope's famous phrase "Whatever is, is right." This optimism, however, was shaken in 1755 by a shattering earthquake which destroyed the city of Lisbon. Although a number of scientists and divines clung to their optimistic beliefs it was Voltaire who with his Poem on the Lisbon Disaster and his satirical novel Candide put paid to the philosophy of Optimism. Dr. Tony Lentãin traces the changes in 18th century thought, through contemporary documents and writings.
| Module code and title: | A204, The Enlightenment |
|---|---|
| Item code: | A204; 19 |
| Recording date: | 1979-02-12 |
| First transmission date: | 24-06-1980 |
| Published: | 1980 |
| Rights Statement: | Rights owned or controlled by The Open University |
| Restrictions on use: | This material can be used in accordance with The Open University conditions of use. A link to the conditions can be found at the bottom of all OUDA web pages. |
| Duration: | 00:18:28 |
| + Show more... | |
| Producer: | Helen Rapp |
| Contributors: | Michael Kilgariff; Toni Lentin; Allan McClelland |
| Publisher: | BBC Open University |
| Keyword(s): | 18th century thought; Optimism; Voltaire |
| Master spool number: | TLN07950H827 |
| Production number: | TLN07950H827 |
| Available to public: | no |
