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Pierre Bayle's Philosophical Commentary (American University Studies Series V, Philosophy)

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Pierre Bayle's argument for religious toleration is more comprehensive and arguably psychologically much deeper than John Locke's more well known work. Locke defines toleration in such a way that Catholics and atheists cannot and should not be tolerated, and contemporary Lockeian efforts which need to resist this implication start out with a limp they never quite lose. Bayle's case has no such limitations. Bayle also offers a far deeper appreciation of the drama of faith and scepticism than does Voltaire, author of another widely known work on toleration.
It is a great pity that Bayle's work is not more widely known or available. Bayle's arguments could add much to discussions of religious pluralism and its challenges.
A broader familiarity with this book would also balance out current scholarly interpretations of Bayle which overplay his sceptical toying with dualist arguments. Bayle's is a complex and perhaps unstable mix of scepticism and rationalism which mirrors well the demands and dilemmas of our own day.