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The '''philosophes'''  in the 18th century were French intellectuals whose ideas formed the core of [[Enlightenment]] though. The principal figures involved were [[Montesquieu]], [[Voltaire]], [[Denis Diderot]], [[Jean Jacques Rousseau]], [[Condillac]], [[Alembert]],[[D'holbach]], [[Turgot]], and [[Condorcet]].  

The '''philosophes'''  in the 18th century were French intellectuals whose ideas formed the core of [[Enlightenment]] thought. The principal figures involved were [[Montesquieu]], [[Voltaire]], [[Denis Diderot]], [[Jean Jacques Rousseau]], [[Condillac]], [[Alembert]],[[D'holbach]], [[Turgot]], and [[Condorcet]].  

 

==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 ‘’Encyclopedie’‘ (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 ''[[Encyclopedie]]'' (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.