Denis Diderot

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Denis Diderot

Q: Why is Denis Diderot significant?

The French philosopher and essayist Denis Diderot served as chief editor (1745–72) of the Encyclopédie , and in that role he was one of the originators and interpreters of the Enlightenment . The work, notable for its attitude of tolerance and liberalism, had profound political, social, and intellectual repercussions in France just prior to the Revolution .

Q: What was Denis Diderot’s early life like?

Diderot was born in 1713, the son of a master cutler. Although tonsured in 1726, he did not enter the church, and he later became an atheist and embraced rationalism . In 1732 Diderot was awarded a master of arts degree from the University of Paris. He held various jobs before beginning work on the Encyclopédie .

Q: How did Denis Diderot die?

Diderot died of coronary thrombosis in 1784 in the Parisian house put at his disposal by Catherine the Great , who had become his patron when he experienced financial difficulties. Apocryphally, his last words were, “Le premier pas vers la philosophie, c’est l'incrédulité” (“The first step toward philosophy is incredulity”). He was 70.

French philosopher

Written by Robert Niklaus

Fact-checked by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last Updated: Nov 9, 2024 • Article History

Quick Facts

Born:: October 5, 1713, Langres, France

Died:: July 31, 1784, Paris (aged 70)

Notable Works:: “An Essay on Blindness”; “Éléments de physiologie”; “Essai sur la peinture”; “Inquiry Concerning Virtue”; “Jacques the Fatalist and His Master”; “L’Entretien entre d’Alembert et Diderot”; “Paradox of Acting”; “Pensées sur l’interprétation de la nature”; “Philosophic Thoughts”; “Rameau’s Nephew”; “Supplément au voyage de Bougainville”; “The Nun”

Subjects Of Study:: dramatic literature

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Why is Denis Diderot significant?

What was Denis Diderot’s early life like?

How did Denis Diderot die?

Denis Diderot (born October 5, 1713, Langres, France—died July 31, 1784, Paris) was a French man of letters and philosopher who, from 1745 to 1772, served as chief editor of the Encyclopédie, one of the principal works of the Age of Enlightenment. Diderot was the son of a widely respected master cutler. He was tonsured in 1726, though he did not in fact enter the church, and was first educated by the Jesuits at Langres. From 1729 to 1732 he studied in Paris at the Collège d’Harcourt or at the Lycée Louis-le-Grand or possibly at both these institutions, and he ...(100 of 2360 words)

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