Available online
Description
This programme comprises a dramatisation of a dinner party at the Baron d'Holbach's house in Paris in 1770. The guests are Frederick the great of Prussia, Diderot, Voltaire, Rousseau. Emile is the ...servant. The action takes place in the dining room of the house, and the conversation covers the themes of progress and civilisation.
This programme comprises a dramatisation of a dinner party at the Baron d'Holbach's house in Paris in 1770. The guests are Frederick the great of Prussia, Diderot, Voltaire, Rousseau. Emile is the ...servant. The action takes place in the dining room of the house, and the conversation covers the themes of progress and civilisation.
| Module code and title: | A204, The Enlightenment |
|---|---|
| Item code: | A204; 08 |
| First transmission date: | 22-05-1980 |
| Published: | 1980 |
| Rights Statement: | |
| Restrictions on use: | |
| Duration: | 00:24:03 |
| + Show more... | |
| Producer: | Paul Kafno |
| Contributor: | Allan McClelland |
| Publisher: | BBC Open University |
| Keyword(s): | Civilisation; Diderot; Frederick the Great; Rousseau; Voltaire |
| Footage description: | Scene 1 The Baron d'Holbach and his four guests are briefly introduced in voice-over by the servant Emile, who is seen serving food to each of the in turn. The party discusses a number of subjects. The conflict of ideas between Rousseau and the other Enlightenment figures over his Noble Savage is portrayed in the form of an open row. They argue about ideas of Progress and Civilisation, specifically science and the role of religion. Rousseau storms out after a rancorous dispute. -- Scene 2 The remaining members of the dinner party attack Rousseau. They then move on to consider the condition of the arts in 18th century Europe. Diderot contrasts the work of Chardin with that of Boucher. Toleration in Prussia is discussed The programme ends with a couple of salon anecdotes. |
| Production number: | FOUA046L |
| Videofinder number: | 2266 |
| Available to public: | no |
