What's Left of Enlightenment?

In this seminar, we will consider how the spirit of critique and contestation forged during the

Enlightenment and French Revolution can be reactivated to confront the challenges of our current

moment. How did the eighteenth-century philosophers—many of whom were imprisoned or exiled

for their writings—address inequality, prejudice, the abuse of power, colonialism and slavery, and

women’s rights? What were their blind spots and how can they help us to discover our own? The

seminar will dovetail with a lecture series at the Maison Française featuring three new books by

scholars whose work reflects critically on the legacy of the Enlightenment and French Revolution.

The seminar will be offered in English. Readings can be done in French or English. Undergraduates

with an interest in the topic are welcome to enroll. Please do not hesitate to contact Professor

Stalnaker at jrs2052@columbia.edu if you have questions about the seminar.