Jonathan I. Israel Libri

Democracy, free thought and expression, religious tolerance, individual liberty, political self-determination of peoples, sexual and racial equality--these values have firmly entered the mainstream in the decades since they were enshrined in the 1948 U.N. Declaration of Human Rights. But if these ideals no longer seem radical today, their origin was very radical indeed--far more so than most historians have been willing to recognize. In "A Revolution of the Mind," Jonathan Israel, one of the world's leading historians of the Enlightenment, traces the philosophical roots of these ideas to what were the least respectable strata of Enlightenment thought--what he calls the Radical Enlightenment. Originating as a clandestine movement of ideas that was almost entirely hidden from public view during its earliest phase, the Radical Enlightenment matured in opposition to the moderate mainstream Enlightenment dominant in Europe and America in the eighteenth century. During the revolutionary decades of the 1770s, 1780s, and 1790s, the Radical Enlightenment burst into the open, only to provoke a long and bitter backlash. "A Revolution of the Mind" shows that this vigorous opposition was mainly due to the powerful impulses in society to defend the principles of monarchy, aristocracy, empire, and racial hierarchy--principles linked to the upholding of censorship, church authority, social inequality, racial segregation, religious discrimination, and far-reaching privilege for ruling groups. In telling this fascinating history, "A Revolution of the Mind" reveals the surprising origin of our most cherished values--and helps explain why in certain circles they are frequently disapproved of and attacked even today.

The book presents a comprehensive analysis of the Enlightenment, emphasizing the divide between conservative and radical philosophical currents rather than the significance of national movements. Jonathan Israel delves into primary texts to provide a fresh interpretation of Enlightenment thought, highlighting the underlying tensions that shaped its development. This reinterpretation challenges conventional views and sheds light on the complexities of philosophical discourse during this pivotal era.

Jonathan Israel's radical new account of the late Enlightenment highlights forgotten currents and figures. Running counter to mainstream thinking, he demonstrates how a group of philosophe-revolutionnaires provided the intellectual powerhouse of the French Revolution, and how their ideas connect with modern Western democracy.

The Dutch Golden Age, known for its renowned artists and writers, was also remarkable for its immense impact on the spheres of commerce, finance, shipping, and technology. Israel gives the definitive account of the emergence of the United Provinces as a great power, its subsequent decline in the 18th century, and the changing relationship between the northern Netherlands and the south, which was to develop into modern Belgium. 32 color plates.

Exploring the impact of Spinoza's philosophy, this study reveals how his ideas contributed to the emergence of radical Enlightenment principles such as equality, democracy, and secularism. Jonathan I. Israel, a prominent cultural historian, argues that these revolutionary concepts laid the groundwork for the intellectual and political upheavals of the late eighteenth century. The book offers a fresh perspective on the connections between Enlightenment thought and modern societal structures.

Jonathan Israel's "Enlightenment Contested" offers a major reassessment of the Western Enlightenment, focusing on the first half of the 18th century. He explores the roots of modern principles like reason, democracy, and equality, highlighting the struggle between anti-democratic mainstream and repressed radical ideas. The book emphasizes the interconnectedness of various Enlightenments across Europe.

The book explores the divergence between radical and conservative Enlightenment ideologies, highlighting the tension between the pursuit of a just society and the influence of religion and secularization. It examines how societal interests were nearly overshadowed by concepts that favored the privileged, illustrating the struggle between egalitarian ideals and entrenched power structures during this transformative period.

Focusing on the Radical Enlightenment, this work articulates Jonathan Israel's pivotal ideas regarding its influence on modern democratic values. It serves as a comprehensive statement for both seasoned readers and newcomers, offering clear and concise arguments alongside significant expansions of his scholarship. This book stands as a masterful introduction to the contributions of one of the foremost scholars in Enlightenment studies, making it an essential read for understanding the era's impact on contemporary thought.

The biography delves into the life and work of Spinoza, one of the most provocative early modern philosophers. It explores his relationships, career, and writings, challenging conventional perceptions of his influence on philosophy, religion, ethics, and political theory both during his lifetime and posthumously. This examination prompts a reevaluation of Spinoza's legacy and the complexities of his thought in shaping modern intellectual discourse.