'the French Enlightenment philosopher Voltaire has a widely documented history of expressing antisemitic views in his writings. His attitudes toward Jews are a subject of significant historical and philosophical debate, often seen as a contradiction to his general advocacy for religious tolerance and freedom of thought.
The Nature of Voltaire's Antisemitism
Racial and Cultural Prejudice: While traditional anti-Jewish sentiment (Jew-hatred) was often rooted in religious theology, Voltaire is noted for stripping away the theology and framing his prejudice in terms of race, culture, and purported "reason". He frequently described Jews as "barbarous" and "fanatical" in his works, promoting the idea that they were intrinsically inferior due to separate ancestry (a "polygenetic" view).'
Great article throughout!
Funny that you used a Voltaire quote at the end.
'the French Enlightenment philosopher Voltaire has a widely documented history of expressing antisemitic views in his writings. His attitudes toward Jews are a subject of significant historical and philosophical debate, often seen as a contradiction to his general advocacy for religious tolerance and freedom of thought.
The Nature of Voltaire's Antisemitism
Racial and Cultural Prejudice: While traditional anti-Jewish sentiment (Jew-hatred) was often rooted in religious theology, Voltaire is noted for stripping away the theology and framing his prejudice in terms of race, culture, and purported "reason". He frequently described Jews as "barbarous" and "fanatical" in his works, promoting the idea that they were intrinsically inferior due to separate ancestry (a "polygenetic" view).'