I. Biographical information
A. He was born in 1694 in Paris
B. For eleven months in 1717-18, he was imprisoned in the Bastille for writing satiric poetry against the Duke of Orleans (Block x).
C. In 1725, after quarreling with an aristocrat, he learned to speak English and studied some of the English philosophers like Bacon, Newton and Locke (Block xi). From his study of Newton and Locke, he discovered a deep appreciation for justice for its own sake (Writings of Voltaire 16).
D. In 1734, his Philosophical Letters were published praising the English for their laws, toleration and philosophy and revealing the weakness of the French system. The French Parliament condemned the book and had it burned in the public square (Block xi).
E. He was famous writing philosophy, poetry and plays.
F. At the age of sixty, he turned his attention more to the battle between enlightenment and oppression (Block xvii).
G. In 1763, his Treatise on Toleration was published. This work defended Jean Calas.
H. In 1778, he returned to Paris. He was visited by American ambassador Benjamin Franklin. Franklin brought his grandson with him, and the young man asked for a benediction to which Voltaire replied, My child, God and Liberty, remember those two words (Writings 31).
I. He died in Paris on May 30, 1778.
II. Major Relevant Works
A. Treatise on Toleration
1. He wrote this treatise because of his strongly objected to the execution of Jean Calas which resulted because of religious intoleration. The focus of the book becomes more of a sweeping condemnation of all kinds of religious intoleration.
2. In chapter 4, he discusses whether toleration is dangerous. He argues that religious persecution causes civil disturbances. He builds this argument by giving examples from all over the world where many religious are practiced and there remains a p eaceful state (149). He closes this chapter by saying, Toleration has never yet excited civil wars, whereas its opposite has filled the earth with slaughter and desolation (153).
3. In chapter 6, he asserts the law of society is based on the law of nature. Treating others how you want to be treated is an example of both. The law of society cannot be intolerant of others religion, otherwise countries would constantly be invadi ng and killing people other religions. This idea puts Christian (which he considers himself to be) in danger (160).
4. Chapter 11 reviews the consequences of non-toleration. He begins by pointing out that if one says you must believe in the established religion we are condemning ourselves because our forefathers went against the established religion (198). He co ncludes this chapter with the following question, If the persecuting of those who differ from us in opinion is holy action, it must be confessed that he who murdered the greatest number of heretics would be the most glorious saint in heaven... surely the se are strange claims to eternal happiness (204-5).
5. In Chapter 12, he builds an argument that God tolerated other religions and beliefs among his people. He proves this by giving examples of major characters throughout the Old Testament who either turned their back on God or worshipped idols before turning to God, and yet God still used them. The Holy Scripture then teaches us, that God not only tolerated every other religion, but also extended His fatherly care to them all (226).
6. The only time when toleration should not be permitted is when his beliefs would cause a man to commit a criminal action (257).
7. Chapter 22 is devoted to a discussion of universal toleration. He begins by acknowledging it is the duty of Christians to tolerate one another. He appears to sum up his opinion on non-toleration by saying, It is not only very cruel to persecute in this short life those who do not think in the same manner as we de, but I very much doubt if there is not an impious boldness in pronouncing them eternally damned (274). He also calls on all worshippers of a God to be merciful and tolerant of other beliefs.
8. He closes the treatise with a prayer to God requesting His help and guidance to bring toleration to all men.
B. Republican Ideas 1. Peace is the fruit of toleration and the true aim of every society (Political Writings 211).
2. Tolerance is as necessary in politics as it is in religion. The root of intolerance is pride which causes men to desire to force others to believe as they do.
III. Contribution to Free Speech Theory
Voltaire takes a different approach than other philosophers to defending the freedom of religion. Instead of arguing that liberty will allow Truth to be exposed and aid in the progress of knowledge, he contends toleration is necessary to bring peace to society. Furthermore, even the Bible teaches toleration of other beliefs. He backs this argument through historical review and the beliefs of the Christian religion itself. Voltaire was also one of the first writers to focus on the importance of tolera tion and the role it plays in a free society. It has been noted that Voltaire's condemnation of the Christian persecutions was one of the greatest contributions to free speech (Altschull 78). It should also be noted that Thomas Jefferson was a great admirer of Voltaire for his position on religious toleration (Altschull 80).
IV. Bibliography
Altschull, J. Herbert. From Milton to McLuhan: The Ideas Behind American Journalism . New York: Longman, 1990.
Voltaire. Political Writings . Ed. David Williams. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1994.
Voltaire. Candide and Other Writings . Ed. Haskell M. Block. Now York: The Modern Library, 1956.
Voltaire. Writings of Voltaire . New York: Wm. H. Wise and Company, 1931.