1.2. Issues of the time
As we continue our overview of the 18th century, we will discuss several issues affecting it and which are crucial to understanding the conditions under which the ideas of the French Enlightenment are developed and disseminated. The 18th century was marked by religious conflicts, over the Protestant issue and the dispute over Jansenism. It is also marked by economic problems, with the reign of Louis XIV leaving a never-ending crisis, and the monarchy being constantly divided between the preservation of ancient customs and the desire for reform. Finally, the dissemination of the Enlightenment’s ideas depends on books, readers, and a legal framework. However, a censorship policy is enforced by the absolute monarchy.
We will discuss these elements in greater details with the assistance of several guests. In the following videos you will discover:
- An interview with Monique Cottret about the religious tensions that plagued the 18th century, in particular on the Protestant issue and on Jansenism.
- An interview with Arnault Skornicki to review the economic problems of the 18th century and the birth of economics.
- And finally, an interview with Ariane Revel dedicated to the concrete frameworks of the development of the Enlightenment: who is the audience, and under what circumstances are the works published?
🎞️ Religious issues in the 18th century
📥 Transcript of the video in English (PDF)
🎞️ Economic issues in 18th century
📥 Transcript of the video in English (PDF)