Voltaire, a prominent figure of the Enlightenment, was known for his staunch opposition to tyranny and dogma. However, unlike some of his contemporaries, Voltaire did not advocate for democracy, which he saw as a flawed system due to his lack of trust in the average person’s judgment. Instead, he believed that through the use of reason, educated and sophisticated individuals could recognize the need for significant improvements in the world. This perspective set him apart from other thinkers of the time, such as Jean-Jacques Rousseau, who had contrasting views on society and governance.
Voltaire’s Views on Society and Governance
Voltaire’s skepticism about the common person’s ability to govern effectively led him to dismiss the idea of democracy, which he equated with the “discredited Athenian folly.” He placed his faith in the reasoning abilities of the educated elite, whom he believed could steer the world towards progress. Voltaire’s approach to change was through intellectual enlightenment rather than radical restructuring of societal norms.
Rousseau’s Challenge to Voltaire’s Ideals
Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Voltaire’s chief adversary, offered a stark contrast to Voltaire’s philosophies. Rousseau distrusted aristocrats, not because he sought radical change, but because he felt they were compromising honorable traditional values. He was critical of the theater, which was central to Voltaire’s life, and he avoided the aristocratic circles that Voltaire frequented. Moreover, Rousseau advocated for what resembled a democratic revolution, arguing that extreme inequality undermined the possibility of good governance.
Divergence in Philosophical Approaches
The philosophical rift between Voltaire and Rousseau extended to their approaches to equality, intellect, and emotion. Voltaire maintained that equality was an unattainable ideal, while Rousseau contended that inequality was unnatural and destructive to the fabric of society. In terms of personal style, Voltaire was known for his sharp wit and charm, whereas Rousseau was more serious and insistent on his positions, even when they appeared self-contradictory.
Rousseau’s Emphasis on Emotion and Romanticism
Rousseau’s emphasis on emotion marked a departure from the rationalist tendencies of the Enlightenment and laid the groundwork for the rise of Romanticism. He valued emotional depth as much as intellectual rigor, which influenced his contributions to various fields such as education, government, and the arts. Rousseau’s focus on the heart as well as the mind resonated with the burgeoning Romantic movement, which would soon follow the Enlightenment era.
Intellect Versus Emotion in Enlightenment Thought
The debate between intellect and emotion was central to the divergence between Voltaire and Rousseau. Voltaire championed the supremacy of the intellect and the importance of a small set of core Enlightenment principles. In contrast, Rousseau’s ideas were more expansive and varied, touching upon numerous aspects of life and thought. His willingness to explore new concepts made him a prolific source of original ideas, influencing a wide range of disciplines.
Questions for UPSC
1. How did Voltaire’s lack of faith in the ordinary person’s judgment shape his views on democracy and governance?
2. In what ways did Rousseau’s philosophy challenge the principles of the Enlightenment as represented by Voltaire?
3. What were the implications of Rousseau’s emphasis on emotion for the transition from Enlightenment thinking to Romanticism?