The Enlightenment is considered the most influential movement of thought in Europe after the Middle Ages. It constitutes the foundational act of modernity. However, this movement also has a dark side that was not widely known until recently. It is related to racialism-racism.

Iconic representatives of the Enlightenment fell into racial prejudice, which today we would call racism, especially against Black and indigenous populations. This paradox arose despite their views on common humanity, equality and freedom among all people, human rights, and their opposition to slavery.

This book examines this paradox, with detailed references to Locke, Montesquieu, Voltaire, Hume, Kant, Hegel, Jefferson, and others, as well as prominent Enlightenment scientists. In addition to their racism, which is documented in detail, a question raised for each of them is whether their overall work should be considered racist or not.

Non-racists are also presented, who, although fewer in number, are also prominent figures of the Enlightenment, such as Rousseau, Diderot, Elvétcius, Paine, Condorcet, Smith, Herder, Bentham, and others. The book concludes with the question: “Why racism in the Enlightenment”?