From literature to philosophy: for a possible interpretation of Voltaire

Abstract

The development of instrumental reason and techne has promoted deep changes in mankind and their relation with nature, arts and culture. The analysis of the so called process of emancipation of rationality and its epistemological status implies rethinking the intrinsic relations between literature, philosophy and interpretation and, consequently, the correspondent relations between ethics, politics and liberty. Such are the guidelines of this text, which intends to go through the labyrinths of the conception of modernity in its universe of lights and shadows. In this sense, we think the study of Voltaire’s short stories allows us to explore the conceptual universe that puts reason before the mirror of modernity and, at the same time, to restore the place of literary writing as a way to escape from the chains of self-contained, dogmatic philosophical systems. Our fundamental hypothesis is that connecting philosophy and literature brings out new paths for reflection on philosophy and its teaching.