The author of the acclaimed book "The Dream of Reason" vividly explains the rise of modern thought from Descartes to Rousseau. In a short period - from the early 1640s until the eve of the French Revolution - Descartes, Hobbes, Spinoza, Locke, Leibniz, and Hume leave their mark on Western thought. "The Dream of Enlightenment" narrates their story and the birth of modern philosophy.

What are the implications of scientific progress for our understanding of ourselves and our ideas about God? How should a government address religious diversity - and what is the true purpose of government? These questions remain our own, and it is tempting to think that these philosophers speak our language and live in our world. But to understand them correctly, we must return to their time.

Gottlieb places readers in the minds of these often-misunderstood figures, explaining the history of their time while engagingly clarifying their arguments and assessing their legacy. He creates an extensive retrospective on what they represent and why we still owe them much.

Pages: 320, Dimensions: 12.9x12.9cm