-
The Modern Scholar
- Enlightenment: Reason, Tolerance, and Humanity
- Narrated by: Professor James Schmidt
- Length: 7 hrs and 46 mins
Failed to add items
Add to Cart failed.
Add to Wish List failed.
Remove from wishlist failed.
Adding to library failed
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
Get 2 free audiobooks during trial.
Buy for $17.19
No default payment method selected.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
Publisher's summary
This course will explore this remarkable period. It will discuss the work of such influential thinkers as Voltaire, John Locke, Denis Diderot, Adam Smith, Immanuel Kant, and Benjamin Franklin. It will also spend some time with less well-known, but no less influential, figures such as Joseph Priestly - a clergyman, scientist, and philosopher who was one of the most passionate defenders of the American Revolution in England - and the remarkable John Toland, a man whose writings on religion changed the way many Europeans thought about the Scriptures
Related to this topic
-
The Art of War
- By: Sun Tzu
- Narrated by: Aidan Gillen
- Length: 1 hr and 7 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The 13 chapters of The Art of War, each devoted to one aspect of warfare, were compiled by the high-ranking Chinese military general, strategist, and philosopher Sun-Tzu. In spite of its battlefield specificity, The Art of War has found new life in the modern age, with leaders in fields as wide and far-reaching as world politics, human psychology, and corporate strategy finding valuable insight in its timeworn words.
-
-
The actual book The Art of War, not a commentary
- By Fred271 on 12-31-19
By: Sun Tzu
-
Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World
- By: Jack Weatherford
- Narrated by: Jonathan Davis, Jack Weatherford
- Length: 14 hrs and 20 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The Mongol army led by Genghis Khan subjugated more lands and people in 25 years than the Romans did in 400. In nearly every country the Mongols conquered, they brought an unprecedented rise in cultural communication, expanded trade, and a blossoming of civilization.
-
-
Golden Horde/Platinum Listen
- By Cynthia on 12-11-13
By: Jack Weatherford
-
MOVE: The Untold Story of an American Tragedy
- By: Curtis Bryant, Kevin Arbouet
- Narrated by: Tariq Trotter
- Length: 5 hrs and 19 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
This searing audio documentary brings listeners deep inside the unforgettable story of MOVE, gaining unprecedented access to surviving MOVE members, elected officials from the era, eyewitnesses, and historians to create an indelible portrait of an American tragedy.
-
-
Balanced Examination of History
- By James Peacock on 08-14-24
By: Curtis Bryant, and others
-
The Autobiography of Malcolm X
- As Told to Alex Haley
- By: Malcolm X, Alex Haley
- Narrated by: Laurence Fishburne
- Length: 16 hrs and 52 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Experience a bold take on this classic autobiography as it’s performed by Oscar-nominated Laurence Fishburne. In this searing classic autobiography, originally published in 1965, Malcolm X, the Muslim leader, firebrand, and Black empowerment activist, tells the extraordinary story of his life and the growth of the Human Rights movement. His fascinating perspective on the lies and limitations of the American dream and the inherent racism in a society that denies its non-White citizens the opportunity to dream, gives extraordinary insight into the most urgent issues of our own time.
-
-
it's Nearly perfect
- By Kerry on 09-16-20
By: Malcolm X, and others
-
Mythology: Mega Collection
- Classic Stories from the Greek, Celtic, Norse, Japanese, Hindu, Chinese, Mesopotamian and Egyptian Mythology
- By: Scott Lewis
- Narrated by: Madison Niederhauser, Oliver Hunt
- Length: 31 hrs and 37 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Do you know how many wives Zeus had? Or how the famous Trojan War was caused by one beautiful lady? Or how Thor got his hammer? Give your imagination a real treat. This Mega Mythology Collection of eight audiobooks is for you....
-
-
An interesting set of introductions.
- By Kevin Potter on 05-30-19
By: Scott Lewis
-
Helter Skelter
- The True Story of the Manson Murders
- By: Vincent Bugliosi, Curt Gentry
- Narrated by: Scott Brick
- Length: 26 hrs and 29 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Prosecuting attorney in the Manson trial Vincent Bugliosi held a unique insider's position in one of the most baffling and horrifying cases of the 20th century: the cold-blooded Tate-LaBianca murders carried out by Charles Manson and four of his followers. What motivated Manson in his seemingly mindless selection of victims, and what was his hold over the young women who obeyed his orders? Now available for the first time in unabridged audio, the gripping story of this famous and haunting crime is brought to life by acclaimed narrator Scott Brick.
-
-
Everything I remembered about the case was wrong..
- By karen on 06-22-12
By: Vincent Bugliosi, and others
-
The Art of War
- By: Sun Tzu
- Narrated by: Aidan Gillen
- Length: 1 hr and 7 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The 13 chapters of The Art of War, each devoted to one aspect of warfare, were compiled by the high-ranking Chinese military general, strategist, and philosopher Sun-Tzu. In spite of its battlefield specificity, The Art of War has found new life in the modern age, with leaders in fields as wide and far-reaching as world politics, human psychology, and corporate strategy finding valuable insight in its timeworn words.
-
-
The actual book The Art of War, not a commentary
- By Fred271 on 12-31-19
By: Sun Tzu
-
Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World
- By: Jack Weatherford
- Narrated by: Jonathan Davis, Jack Weatherford
- Length: 14 hrs and 20 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The Mongol army led by Genghis Khan subjugated more lands and people in 25 years than the Romans did in 400. In nearly every country the Mongols conquered, they brought an unprecedented rise in cultural communication, expanded trade, and a blossoming of civilization.
-
-
Golden Horde/Platinum Listen
- By Cynthia on 12-11-13
By: Jack Weatherford
-
MOVE: The Untold Story of an American Tragedy
- By: Curtis Bryant, Kevin Arbouet
- Narrated by: Tariq Trotter
- Length: 5 hrs and 19 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
This searing audio documentary brings listeners deep inside the unforgettable story of MOVE, gaining unprecedented access to surviving MOVE members, elected officials from the era, eyewitnesses, and historians to create an indelible portrait of an American tragedy.
-
-
Balanced Examination of History
- By James Peacock on 08-14-24
By: Curtis Bryant, and others
-
The Autobiography of Malcolm X
- As Told to Alex Haley
- By: Malcolm X, Alex Haley
- Narrated by: Laurence Fishburne
- Length: 16 hrs and 52 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Experience a bold take on this classic autobiography as it’s performed by Oscar-nominated Laurence Fishburne. In this searing classic autobiography, originally published in 1965, Malcolm X, the Muslim leader, firebrand, and Black empowerment activist, tells the extraordinary story of his life and the growth of the Human Rights movement. His fascinating perspective on the lies and limitations of the American dream and the inherent racism in a society that denies its non-White citizens the opportunity to dream, gives extraordinary insight into the most urgent issues of our own time.
-
-
it's Nearly perfect
- By Kerry on 09-16-20
By: Malcolm X, and others
-
Mythology: Mega Collection
- Classic Stories from the Greek, Celtic, Norse, Japanese, Hindu, Chinese, Mesopotamian and Egyptian Mythology
- By: Scott Lewis
- Narrated by: Madison Niederhauser, Oliver Hunt
- Length: 31 hrs and 37 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Do you know how many wives Zeus had? Or how the famous Trojan War was caused by one beautiful lady? Or how Thor got his hammer? Give your imagination a real treat. This Mega Mythology Collection of eight audiobooks is for you....
-
-
An interesting set of introductions.
- By Kevin Potter on 05-30-19
By: Scott Lewis
-
Helter Skelter
- The True Story of the Manson Murders
- By: Vincent Bugliosi, Curt Gentry
- Narrated by: Scott Brick
- Length: 26 hrs and 29 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Prosecuting attorney in the Manson trial Vincent Bugliosi held a unique insider's position in one of the most baffling and horrifying cases of the 20th century: the cold-blooded Tate-LaBianca murders carried out by Charles Manson and four of his followers. What motivated Manson in his seemingly mindless selection of victims, and what was his hold over the young women who obeyed his orders? Now available for the first time in unabridged audio, the gripping story of this famous and haunting crime is brought to life by acclaimed narrator Scott Brick.
-
-
Everything I remembered about the case was wrong..
- By karen on 06-22-12
By: Vincent Bugliosi, and others
People who viewed this also viewed...
-
The Modern Scholar
- Archaeology and the Iliad: The Trojan War in Homer and History
- By: Eric H. Cline
- Narrated by: Eric H. Cline
- Length: 7 hrs and 31 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The Trojan War, captured forever in Homer's epic poem the Iliad, resonates to the present day in the popular imagination. But did Troy actually exist? And if so, where is it located? Was the Trojan War actually fought? And why? In this course, professor Eric H. Cline examines the history of Troy and delves into the archaeological discoveries that help to answer the questions above. Through an incisive analysis of known data, Professor Cline provides a fuller, richer understanding of this historic clash.
-
-
I can see the windy plains of Troy
- By Nathan on 10-05-08
By: Eric H. Cline
-
The Modern Scholar
- The History of Ancient Israel: From the Patriarchs Through the Romans
- By: Professor Eric H. Cline
- Narrated by: Eric H. Cline
- Length: 7 hrs and 36 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Israel conjures up myriad associations for peoples of all cultures and religious backgrounds. Inextricably associated with the world's three most prominent religions (Judaism, Christianity, and Islam), Israel is steeped in history and conflict, much of which is known through the tales of biblical figures such as Moses, David, Solomon, and, of course, Jesus Christ.But how much of the Bible can be relied upon as accurate history? And how much of the biblical record can be verified through archaeology?
-
-
Good But a Little Biased
- By Wolfpacker on 05-27-12
-
The Modern Scholar
- Epochs of European Civilization: Antiquity to Renaissance
- By: Professor Geoffrey Hosking
- Narrated by: Geoffrey Hosking
- Length: 7 hrs and 51 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The four main themes of this course are answers to the question, "What makes Europe distinctive compared with other parts of the world?"
-
-
Erudite but boring
- By BF Palo Alto on 02-08-15
-
The Modern Scholar
- The Giants of Russian Literature: Turgenev, Dostoevsky, Tolstoy and Chekhov
- By: Prof. Liza Knapp
- Narrated by: Liza Knapp
- Length: 7 hrs and 44 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Russian literature of the 19th century is among the richest, most profound, and most human traditions in the world. This course explores this tradition by focusing on four giants: Ivan Turgenev, Fyodor Dostoevsky, Leo Tolstoy, and Anton Chekhov. Their works had an enormous impact on Russian understanding of the human condition.
-
-
beautifully wrought
- By D.P. on 09-25-11
By: Prof. Liza Knapp
-
The Modern Scholar
- A History of the English Language
- By: Prof. Michael Drout
- Narrated by: Prof. Michael Drout
- Length: 8 hrs and 14 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Professor Drout addresses the foundation of language and its connection to specific portions of the brain. The components of language are explained in easy-to-understand terms and the progression of the language from Germanic to Old, Middle, and Modern English is fully illustrated - including such revolutionary language upheavals as those brought about by the Norman Conquest and the Great Vowel Shift.
-
-
Hits all the right marks
- By Maria on 11-02-10
-
The Modern Scholar
- The Life and Times of Benjamin Franklin
- By: Professor H.W. Brands
- Narrated by: H.W. Brands
- Length: 7 hrs and 59 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
This course examines the life of Benjamin Franklin and his influence on both American and world history. He remains the model of the American thinker - a man who was interested in nearly everything, and who pursued those interests with an admirable and contagious passion. To study Franklin's life is to learn not only the history of a single man, but to understand some of the most monumental changes in all of human history.
-
-
Love it
- By Holly on 02-20-16
-
The Modern Scholar
- Archaeology and the Iliad: The Trojan War in Homer and History
- By: Eric H. Cline
- Narrated by: Eric H. Cline
- Length: 7 hrs and 31 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The Trojan War, captured forever in Homer's epic poem the Iliad, resonates to the present day in the popular imagination. But did Troy actually exist? And if so, where is it located? Was the Trojan War actually fought? And why? In this course, professor Eric H. Cline examines the history of Troy and delves into the archaeological discoveries that help to answer the questions above. Through an incisive analysis of known data, Professor Cline provides a fuller, richer understanding of this historic clash.
-
-
I can see the windy plains of Troy
- By Nathan on 10-05-08
By: Eric H. Cline
-
The Modern Scholar
- The History of Ancient Israel: From the Patriarchs Through the Romans
- By: Professor Eric H. Cline
- Narrated by: Eric H. Cline
- Length: 7 hrs and 36 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Israel conjures up myriad associations for peoples of all cultures and religious backgrounds. Inextricably associated with the world's three most prominent religions (Judaism, Christianity, and Islam), Israel is steeped in history and conflict, much of which is known through the tales of biblical figures such as Moses, David, Solomon, and, of course, Jesus Christ.But how much of the Bible can be relied upon as accurate history? And how much of the biblical record can be verified through archaeology?
-
-
Good But a Little Biased
- By Wolfpacker on 05-27-12
-
The Modern Scholar
- Epochs of European Civilization: Antiquity to Renaissance
- By: Professor Geoffrey Hosking
- Narrated by: Geoffrey Hosking
- Length: 7 hrs and 51 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The four main themes of this course are answers to the question, "What makes Europe distinctive compared with other parts of the world?"
-
-
Erudite but boring
- By BF Palo Alto on 02-08-15
-
The Modern Scholar
- The Giants of Russian Literature: Turgenev, Dostoevsky, Tolstoy and Chekhov
- By: Prof. Liza Knapp
- Narrated by: Liza Knapp
- Length: 7 hrs and 44 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Russian literature of the 19th century is among the richest, most profound, and most human traditions in the world. This course explores this tradition by focusing on four giants: Ivan Turgenev, Fyodor Dostoevsky, Leo Tolstoy, and Anton Chekhov. Their works had an enormous impact on Russian understanding of the human condition.
-
-
beautifully wrought
- By D.P. on 09-25-11
By: Prof. Liza Knapp
-
The Modern Scholar
- A History of the English Language
- By: Prof. Michael Drout
- Narrated by: Prof. Michael Drout
- Length: 8 hrs and 14 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Professor Drout addresses the foundation of language and its connection to specific portions of the brain. The components of language are explained in easy-to-understand terms and the progression of the language from Germanic to Old, Middle, and Modern English is fully illustrated - including such revolutionary language upheavals as those brought about by the Norman Conquest and the Great Vowel Shift.
-
-
Hits all the right marks
- By Maria on 11-02-10
-
The Modern Scholar
- The Life and Times of Benjamin Franklin
- By: Professor H.W. Brands
- Narrated by: H.W. Brands
- Length: 7 hrs and 59 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
This course examines the life of Benjamin Franklin and his influence on both American and world history. He remains the model of the American thinker - a man who was interested in nearly everything, and who pursued those interests with an admirable and contagious passion. To study Franklin's life is to learn not only the history of a single man, but to understand some of the most monumental changes in all of human history.
-
-
Love it
- By Holly on 02-20-16
-
The Modern Scholar
- Heavens Above: Stars, Constellations, and the Sky
- By: Professor James Kaler
- Narrated by: James Kaler
- Length: 7 hrs and 6 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
This course guides listeners through the sights of the naked- eye sky, wherein we directly witness the effects of the turning and revolving of the Earth, the artistry painted by the human mind using the sky and stars, and how the view changes with time and with our place on the planet.
-
-
Not as Good as Professors Kaler's Other Lectures
- By Patrick on 07-19-09
-
The Modern Scholar: Medieval Mysteries
- The History Behind the Myths of the Middle Ages
- By: Professor Thomas F. Madden
- Narrated by: Professor Thomas F. Madden
- Length: 4 hrs and 10 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The Middle Ages is not only a period of Romance, but of legends, tales, and mysteries. In this course, Professor Thomas F. Madden guides listeners through the most famous and enduring narratives of medieval Europe. Beginning with King Arthur, Professor Madden peels back layers of exaggeration and fiction to lay bare the historical basis for the mythical king.
-
-
Entertaining And Enlightening
- By Hellocat on 06-03-14
-
The Modern Scholar
- Way with Words: Writing Rhetoric and the Art of Persuasion
- By: Professor Michael D. C. Drout
- Narrated by: Professor Michael D. C. Drout
- Length: 7 hrs and 48 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Esteemed professor Michael D. C. Drout brings his expertise in literary studies to the subject of rhetoric. From history-altering political speeches to friendly debates at cocktail parties, rhetoric holds the power to change opinions, spark new thoughts, and ultimately change the world.
-
-
A Very Unique Read...(J/K)
- By Jade on 06-10-09
-
The Modern Scholar
- Wars That Made the Western World: The Persian Wars, the Peloponnesian War
- By: Timothy Shutt
- Narrated by: Timothy Shutt
- Length: 8 hrs and 2 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
This course addresses three wars fought in antiquity, each of which had - even 2,000 years and more later - a decisive effect in shaping our communal sense of who we are, not only in Europe, but throughout the European cultural diaspora, in the Americas, in Oceania, and to some degree, at least, in Asia and Africa as well - wherever, in short, Western values hold.
-
-
Those Are Names to Remember...
- By John on 09-26-13
By: Timothy Shutt
-
The Modern Scholar
- Classical Mythology: The Romans
- By: Professor Peter Meineck
- Narrated by: Professor Peter Meineck
- Length: 7 hrs and 55 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Rome grew from a tiny community of small hill villages near the River Tiber in central Italy to one of the most powerful empires the world has seen. The Romans themselves believed that their great city was founded in the middle of the eighth century BCE. By the middle of the second century CE, Rome had a population of 1.5 million; Alexandria, in Egypt, 500,000; and Londinium, in Briton, 30,000.
-
-
Very Worthwhile!
- By Pierre Gauthier on 01-03-13
-
The Modern Scholar
- One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic: A History of the Church in the Middle Ages
- By: Thomas Madden
- Narrated by: Thomas Madden
- Length: 8 hrs and 13 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Renowned professor Thomas F. Madden turns his scholarly eye on the intrigue and politics swirling about the Medieval Church. Professor Madden explores the compelling events that shaped the culture and forever altered history, from the Monophysite Controversy to reform movements to the Inquisition, Black Death, and Great Schism.
-
-
Modern Scholar Wins!
- By Steven on 12-13-13
By: Thomas Madden
-
The Modern Scholar
- Jerusalem: The Contested City
- By: Professor Frank E. Peters
- Narrated by: Frank E. Peters
- Length: 7 hrs and 54 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Located in the heart of Israel, Jerusalem is the center for the spiritual world's three largest religions. Throughout its millennia-old history, Jerusalem has been known by many names: Salem, Zion, Hierosolymae, Al-Quds and others, and no city has ever been in more dispute. Through an in-depth study of the various holy sites in Jerusalem, you'll begin to see which are considered sacred and to whom.
-
-
excellent
- By stefini200 on 07-27-19
-
The Modern Scholar
- Brotherhood of the Revolution: How America's Founders Forged a New Nation
- By: Prof. Joseph Ellis
- Narrated by: Joseph Ellis
- Length: 6 hrs and 59 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
This is the story of the American Revolution, the men who made it and who then secured it. It is the story of an improbable victory by a provincial collection of loosely knit colonies over the dominant military and political power in the world. It is also the story of the creation of a nation founded on principles that no one at the time regarded as viable, and that over time have come to be regarded as the most successful recipe for political success in the modern world.
-
-
nice audio
- By Mahmood on 10-26-10
-
The Modern Scholar
- World's First Superpower: The Rise of the British Empire, 1497 to 1901
- By: Professor Denis Judd
- Narrated by: Denis Judd
- Length: 7 hrs and 16 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
This course will examine the growth and development of the largest empire in world history - the British Empire - beginning with the late 15th century Tudor dynasty in England and ending with the death of the Queen-Empress Victoria in 1901.
-
-
Despite the stylish shortcomings
- By Chi-Hung on 03-06-10
-
The Modern Scholar
- Masters of Enterprise: American Business History and the People Who Made it
- By: Professor H. W. Brands
- Narrated by: Professor H. W. Brands
- Length: 8 hrs and 21 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In this course, we'll examine the lives and careers of successful men and women who seized the opportunities offered by the vibrant and open economy that has ensued. We'll examine how each of these individuals found the necessary resources - both economic and personal - to achieve greatness in the business arena. In doing so, we hope not only to arrive at a better understanding of American business history in general, but also to commune with its greatest visionaries - its Masters of Enterprise.
-
-
Fascinating example of some Masters of Enterprise
- By William on 03-25-13
-
The Modern Scholar: The Lost Warriors of God
- The True History of the Knights Templar
- By: Professor Thomas F. Madden
- Narrated by: Professor Thomas F. Madden
- Length: 4 hrs and 30 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Professor Thomas F. Madden is a widely published author and the director of the Center for Medieval and Renaissance Studies at Saint Louis University. In The Lost Warriors of God, Madden examines one of the most fascinating organizations in world history: the Knights Templar, whose members gave up home, family, and worldly possessions to defend the Holy Land and the Christian pilgrims who journeyed there.
-
-
Amazing and TRUE! No more conspiracy theories.
- By LH on 05-18-15
-
The Modern Scholar
- The Dead Sea Scrolls: The Truth behind the Mystique
- By: Professor Lawrence H. Schiffman
- Narrated by: Professor Lawrence H. Schiffman
- Length: 7 hrs and 58 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In this course, Professor Lawrence H. Schiffman imparts a clear understanding of what the Dead Sea Scrolls are, and even more importantly, what they are not. Indeed, everything about the Scrolls, from their long road to full publication to the haggling over dating and translation, has been shrouded in controversy. In these lectures, Professor Schiffman gives a fascinating explanation of the content of the Scrolls and the times in which the Scrolls were kept.
-
-
A well-balanced account of the Qumran Scrolls
- By Jacobus on 12-27-12
What listeners say about The Modern Scholar
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Scott
- 10-11-12
Brilliant--nearly flawless
Nicely read, well thought out. Connects the dots on many points in history. An important series of lectures.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
8 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Lou Harrison
- 10-11-22
An Undiscovered Gem
I’ve accessed several lecture series on the Enlightenment, but Professor Schmidt’s is clearly the best. You cannot understand today’s world, or tomorrow’s, without a firm understanding of the Enlightenment. Here Professor Schmidt can save you a heck of a lot of very difficult reading.
We join the lectures after Protestantism poured a river of blood across Europe and opened the floodgates of empiricism to Christian doctrine. Professor Schmidt takes us down the winding back alleys of the Enlightenment, into the salons, the coffee houses, the private libraries -- and the secret societies. We learn of a spate of revolutions as we see the ardor for liberty catch and spread, the rule of kings give way to the rule of law, and the domination of religion give way to reason and conscience.
He covers the very important subject of the influence of aboriginal Americans on the European Enlightenment: What counts as men? Women? People of color? How did it affect the Enlightenment to discover that the so-called savages who haven’t even been exposed to Christianity can be happier and more moral than Europeans? Does civilization create misery?
Finally, Professor Schmidt leaves us with the understanding that toleration was the great ideal of the Enlightenment, and “Where reason rules, toleration is possible.”
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!