Title: The philosophes and the people /
Authors: Payne, Harry C.
Publisher: Yale University Press,
Year: 1976
Subjects: Enlightenment France; Philosophy, French; Social classes.; Encyclopedists.; France Intellectual life
Abstract: "[Examines] the attitude of the intellectual toward the mass of men. The difficulties seem especially acute in the case of the philosophes of the Enlightenment who, according to historical legend, believed in perfectibility and reasonableness of Man but who, again according to legend, scorned and despised the masses ... Though this essay is not intended as an apology for the philosophes, it does attempt to give their attitudes toward and program for the mass of the unenlightened men--or 'people' as they chose to call them--a sophisticated and open-minded hearing"Includes bibliographical references (p. 192-208) and index.
Contents: Introduction -- pt. I. Perceptions -- 1. Le peuple : a class apart -- 2. Children of discord -- 3. Agents of Ceres -- 4. A case of neglect -- pt. II. Legislation -- Introduction. The legislator's task -- 5. the uses of belief -- 6. Instruction -- 7. The laborer's share -- 8. Equality -- Conclusion. Dominance and responsibility.