Encyclopédie

(noun)

A general encyclopedia published in France between 1751 and 1772, with later supplements, revised editions, and translations. It had many writers, known as the Encyclopédistes. It is most famous for representing the thought of the Enlightenment.

Related Terms

(noun)

A general encyclopedia published in France between 1751 and 1772, with later supplements, revised editions, and translations. It had many writers and was edited by Denis Diderot and, until 1759, co-edited by Jean le Rond d'Alembert. It is the most famous for representing the thought of the Enlightenment.

Related Terms

Examples of Encyclopédie in the following topics:

  • Introduction to the Enlightenment

    • Many scientific theories reached the wide public, notably through the Encyclopédie (a general encyclopedia published in France between 1751 and 1772) and the popularization of Newtonianism.
    • If there is something you don't know, search for it." — An engraving from the 1772 edition of the Encyclopédie. 

  • Productivity Gains from Technology

    • Later, near the beginning of the Industrial Revolution, came publication of the Encyclopédie, written by numerous contributors and edited by Denis Diderot and Jean le Rond d'Alembert (1751–72).

  • Philosophy and Science

    • Perhaps the most renowned publication of the Enlightenment era was the Encyclopedie (Encyclopedia), published between 1751-72).
    • According to Diderot, the purpose of the Encyclopedie was to disseminate knowledge to all of society and future generations, and in this way "change the way people think. " Thousands of copies were sold, many outside of France, as the new intellectual class migrated across Europe.
    • The Encyclopedie held contributions from hundreds of leading philosophers and intellectuals and was one of the most renowned publications of the Enlightenment era.

  • Enlightenment Ideals

    • The most well-known of these works is Denis Diderot and Jean le Rond d'Alembert's Encyclopédie, ou dictionnaire raisonné des sciences, des arts et des métiers.

  • Catherine's Domestic Policies

    • Within a few months of her accession in 1762, having heard the French government threatened to stop the publication of the famous French Encyclopédie on account of its irreligious spirit, Catherine proposed to Diderot that he should complete his great work in Russia under her protection.

  • Enlightened Despotism

    • Within a few months of her accession in 1762, having heard the French government threatened to stop the publication of the famous French Encyclopédie on account of its irreligious spirit, Catherine proposed to Diderot that he should complete his great work in Russia under her protection.