Voltaire’s main project in Candide is to critique Enlightenment thinking, specifically Leibniz’s philosophical theory of Optimism. He does this most effectively through the folly of the character of Pangloss the philosopher, who is a representation of Leibniz and Optimism. Throughout the narrative, Pangloss’ stubborn belief in Optimism becomes absurd and inappropriate when it is juxtaposed with the terrible things that the characters endure. Voltaire is questioning blind adherence to philosophical theories.
The Enlightenment is characterized by a variety of advances in the fields of science and philosophy. Primarily, Enlightenment philosophy placed major emphasis on the power of reason and rational thought to create better social and political structures. …show more content…
In Candide, Pangloss prevents Candide from trying to rescue Jacques the Anabaptist from drowning, saying that “the Bay of Lisbon had been made on purpose for the Anabaptist to be drowned.” (Voltaire, 1759. 11) While he is philosophising most of the other sailors drown as well. When they come to Lisbon after the earthquake has struck, Pangloss does not help anyone, and instead attempts to explain to them why the disaster was meant to be. When Candide gets trapped under fallen debris and begs for wine and oil, Pangloss ignores him and goes on a tangent to justify the reasons for the disaster. This shows that Pangloss’ Optimism allows for the discouragement of active efforts to better the world, and an encouragement of complacent reasoning. In fact, Cacambo’s practical approach to situations is often portrayed as much more successful than Candide’s philosophical/moralistic one, such as when he persuaded the Oreillons not to boil and roast them. (Voltaire, 1759.
The Enlightenment is characterized by a variety of advances in the fields of science and philosophy. Primarily, Enlightenment philosophy placed major emphasis on the power of reason and rational thought to create better social and political structures. …show more content…
In Candide, Pangloss prevents Candide from trying to rescue Jacques the Anabaptist from drowning, saying that “the Bay of Lisbon had been made on purpose for the Anabaptist to be drowned.” (Voltaire, 1759. 11) While he is philosophising most of the other sailors drown as well. When they come to Lisbon after the earthquake has struck, Pangloss does not help anyone, and instead attempts to explain to them why the disaster was meant to be. When Candide gets trapped under fallen debris and begs for wine and oil, Pangloss ignores him and goes on a tangent to justify the reasons for the disaster. This shows that Pangloss’ Optimism allows for the discouragement of active efforts to better the world, and an encouragement of complacent reasoning. In fact, Cacambo’s practical approach to situations is often portrayed as much more successful than Candide’s philosophical/moralistic one, such as when he persuaded the Oreillons not to boil and roast them. (Voltaire, 1759.