"Voltairean" is a word that refers to the philosophy or literary style of French writer and philosopher, Voltaire. It is spelled with two syllables, "vol" and "tairean," and is pronounced as /vɒlˈteəriən/ according to the IPA phonetic transcription. The emphasis is on the second syllable, and the "t" in "tairean" is not silent. This spelling accurately reflects the name of the renowned writer and philosopher and allows readers to easily identify and understand the reference to his work.
Voltairean is an adjective that refers to anything related to or resembling the ideas, philosophies, or style of the renowned French writer, philosopher, and Enlightenment thinker, François-Marie Arouet, better known as Voltaire.
The term is often used to describe someone or something that exhibits the wit, irony, and skepticism that were characteristic of Voltaire's works. It encompasses the principles and beliefs associated with the Age of Enlightenment, including the promotion of reason, freedom of thought, tolerance, and opposition to bigotry, injustice, and religious fanaticism.
Voltairean thinking emphasizes the power of reason and critical thinking in challenging authority, exposing hypocrisy, and advocating for social, political, and religious reform. It often involves a satirical flair, using humor and biting sarcasm to provoke intellectual engagement and to critique the establishment and dogmatic ideologies.
In literature, a Voltairean style often involves quick-witted dialogue, biting satires, and social commentaries that expose hypocrisy and highlight societal issues of the time. Voltairean philosophy also has a significant impact on the separation of church and state, advocating for religious toleration and the importance of individual liberty in shaping a just society.
Overall, "Voltairean" represents an intellectual tradition that upholds reason, liberty, and critical thinking while challenging and questioning the status quo through wit, satire, and skepticism.
The word "Voltairean" is derived from the name of the influential French philosopher and writer François-Marie Arouet, who is better known by his pen name, Voltaire (1694-1778). Voltaire was a key figure during the Enlightenment period in Europe, where he championed reason, tolerance, and freedom of speech. His writings were widely celebrated for their wit, satire, and criticism of religious and political establishments. As a result, the term "Voltairean" emerged to refer to using reason and critical thinking to challenge established authority, particularly in the realms of religion, government, and society. It became associated with skepticism, intellectualism, and a commitment to championing human rights and individual liberties.