The French Enlightenment philosopher Helvetius (1715-71) was among the 18th century's most influential theorists. A radical whose work was widely read, he inspired Bentham and the British utilitarians, and was James Mill's guide in the education of his son John Stuart Mill. He was a personal friend of Jefferson and Franklin, and a force among the Encyclopaedists. Helvetius's philosophy, following Locke's criticism of innate ideas, is founded on a belief that all human beings are born fundamentally alike. Rejecting the concept of absolute morality, he claims that differences in character and intellect are the result of variations in upbringing and environment. Particularly notable is his conclusion that education is the key to inequalities in individuals' thinking and his advocacy of state education for all. This radically environmentalist view of psychology stemmed from his desire to reform people and society, and his vision of an ideal community of enlightened citizens had some influence on Marxist histroical materialism. This 3-volume collection brings together Helvetius's principal philosophical works. "De l'Espirit", published in 1758, was immediately denounced by the Catholic authorities as a threat to religion, the crown and the family, and condemned by the parliament in Paris to be publicly burnt. Despite this, or perhaps because of it, the work became enormously popular and was translated into almost every European language. The recantations he was forced to make regarding "De l'Espirit", and the fear of further persecution, led Helvetius to suppress his "De l'Homme" (1773) until after his death. The work is just as bold and further expands and clarifies the principles of "De l'Espirit". Reprinted here are the last English translations of these significant works, including additional notes and a detailed account of the life of Helvetius by the translators. Published for the first time as one collection, the set should be of interest to historians of British and Continental philosophy, education and political philosophy.
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