On the Relationship Between Reason and Belief in Montesquieu's Enlightenment Thought

Reason and belief are sources of knowledge of different kinds and degrees. Modern Enlightenment philosophers' discussion on the relationship between the two constitutes their unique characteristics of Enlightenment thought. Montesquieu believed that " it is not insignificant to enlighten t...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Fu dan xue bao. She hui ke xue ban 2021-01 (3), p.58-68
Main Author: Mo, Weimin
Format: Article
Language:Chinese
Subjects:
Belief & doubt
Beliefs
Catholicism
Christianity
Collaboration
Connotation
Freedom of religion
Knowledge
Philosophers
Religion
Theology
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Summary:Reason and belief are sources of knowledge of different kinds and degrees. Modern Enlightenment philosophers' discussion on the relationship between the two constitutes their unique characteristics of Enlightenment thought. Montesquieu believed that " it is not insignificant to enlighten the people, " and that reason and belief can collaborative work together to promote the Enlightenment of the people. Different from the generally accepted view that Enlightenment thinkers usually hold high the spirit of reason to criticize feudal theology and religious thought, Montesquieu not only held high the banner of reason to design capitalist constitutional system, but also devoutly believed in Catholicism, highly praised Christianity, advocated theism, religious tolerance and freedom of belief, emphasized that reason and belief performed their respective duties, and asserted that there should be a contradiction between them. Therefore, the essence of Enlightenment is deeply expounded by Montesquieu not only in the fie
ISSN:0257-0289