Title: The Philosophes and the people
Description: "[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.
Subjects: Encyclopedists, Enlightenment, French Philosophy, Intellectual life, Philosophy, French, Social classes, Enlightenment -- France., Philosophy, French -- 18th century., Social classes., Encyclopedists., France -- Intellectual life -- 18th century., Philosophers, Siècle des lumières, Philosophie française, Classes sociales, Encyclopédistes, Vie intellectuelle
Places: France
Time periods: 18th century