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==Influence==

==Influence==

They did not form any sort of organization, but often discussed and debated ideas among themselves. They shared a devotion to reason, philosophical empiricism, mathematical modes of thought,  trust in scientific inquiry, and a belief in the [[Idea of Progress]].  They had a wide following among the intellectuals of Europe.  Their zest for rational investigation of the natural world is exemplified by Diderot's ''[[Encyclopédie]]'' (1751-66), to which many of them contributed.

They did not form any sort of organization, but often discussed and debated ideas among themselves. They shared a devotion to reason, philosophical empiricism, mathematical modes of thought,  trust in scientific inquiry, and a belief in the [[Idea of Progress]].  They had a wide following among the intellectuals of Europe.  Their zest for rational investigation of the natural world is exemplified by Diderot's ''[[Encyclopédie]]'' (1751–66), to which many of them contributed.

In religion the philosophes encouraged toleration and skepticism; in politics their writings often reflected and furthered [[republicanism]] and the democratic spirit.  

In religion the philosophes encouraged toleration and skepticism; in politics their writings often reflected and furthered [[republicanism]] and the democratic spirit.  

* Kors, Alan Charles. ''Encyclopedia of the Enlightenment'' (4 vol. 1990; 2nd ed. 2003), 1984pp [http://www.amazon.com/Encyclopedia-Enlightenment-4-vol-set/dp/0195104307/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1198743087&sr=8-1 excerpt and text search]; also [http://www.oxfordreference.com/pub/views/home.html complete text online at www.oxfordreference.com] by a leading conservative scholar

* Kors, Alan Charles. ''Encyclopedia of the Enlightenment'' (4 vol. 1990; 2nd ed. 2003), 1984pp [http://www.amazon.com/Encyclopedia-Enlightenment-4-vol-set/dp/0195104307/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1198743087&sr=8-1 excerpt and text search]; also [http://www.oxfordreference.com/pub/views/home.html complete text online at www.oxfordreference.com] by a leading conservative scholar

* Torrey, Norman L. ''Les Philosophes: The Philosophers of the Enlightenment and Modern Democracy'' (1960) [http://www.questia.com/read/24605166?title=Les%20Philosophes%3a%20The%20Philosophers%20of%20the%20Enlightenment%20and%20Modern%20Democracy online edition]

* Torrey, Norman L. ''Les Philosophes: The Philosophers of the Enlightenment and Modern Democracy'' (1960) [http://www.questia.com/read/24605166?title=Les%20Philosophes%3a%20The%20Philosophers%20of%20the%20Enlightenment%20and%20Modern%20Democracy online edition]

[[category:Enlightenment]]

[[Category:Enlightenment]]

[[category:French Revolution]]

[[Category:French Revolution]]

[[category:Philosophy]]

[[Category:Philosophy]]

[[category:Republicanism]]

[[Category:Republicanism]]