Socinianism, the Enlightenment, and Voltaire: A Preliminary Historical Study of the Socinians, of their Influence on the Origins of the Enlightenment, and of their Place in the Life and Works of Voltaire from 1694 to 1734

Abstract

<p>This thesis has three major goals: first, to present a historical sketch of the Socinian movement, and second, to show how Socinian thought influenced the climate of opinion around the beginning of the eighteenth century. The third and major portion of this work traces the influence of Socinianism on Voltaire in the first part of his life (1694-1734). Both his biography and works are examined in detail for evidence of Socinianism. OEdipe, the Fête de Bélébat, the Henriade, the Epitre a Uranie, and above all the Lettres philosophiques are the primary works analyzed.</p>