Dictionnaire philosophique

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The Dictionnaire philosophique (Philosophical Dictionary) was a very controversial 1752 book written by Voltaire. In it he used an alphabetical format to air his own views on theology, modern religious beliefs, and many other subjects, in a series of short essays, which comprised articles contributed by him to the Encyclopédie. The Dictionary directed criticism against French political institutions, Voltaire's personal enemies, the Bible, and the Catholic Church. In it he defined the ideal religion - it would teach very little dogma but much morality. Presented in a wryly humorous manner, its Voltaire's controversial thoughts were condemned in Paris, Geneva, and Amsterdam. For safety reasons, Voltaire denied his authorship.

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• Extracts from Dictionnaire philosophique