[MZZ56-01] The Great Lisbon Earthquake and Voltaire – the impact of geological phenomena on philosophy
Keywords:philosophy, genological phenomena, the Great Lisbon earthquake, Enlightenment
Philosophy in each area of the world has its tradition or nationality, and in contrast geological phenomenon (in this presentation, the Great Lisbon earthquake) often drastically changes a philosopher’s thought. In this talk, I would like to discuss Voltaire, the representative thinker in the age of Enlightenment. His Candide includes the most critical comment on Professor Pangloss, who vindicated “the best of possible worlds.” This talk will discuss the impact of the Great Lisbon earthquake of 1755 on the philosopher.