480. Honorable Ignorance: French Skepticism

It's been a while since a HoPWAG pun made me groan out loud, but the "sex/Sextus" one got me.

I was wondering when you would get to the libertins (or libertin erudits, as they have also been known). As is usual for you, Dr. Adamson, this episode was a great look at the subject at hand.

I was a little surprised to find Jean-Pierre Cavaillé not listed in the ‘Further Reading’ list. Cavaillé’s work on the libertins, which began around the around the turn of the millenium, whom he argues were most likely were freethinkers or crypto-atheists rather than something like quietly pious fideists, which he bases on what he sees as the weakness of their arguments in favor of whatever religious camp they were a part of, as well as their writing styles and rhetorical allusions (I apologize to any colleagues of Cavaillé if I have oversimplified or mischaracterized his views and conlusions, I sadly had to use translator programs in order to read it, as most of Cavaillé’s work is in French). This includes figures like Tommaso Campanella, who had used more blunt language to describe his apparent irreligion, if witnesses and co-conspirators are to be taken at their word (this is according to the extant interrogation files of the conspiracy that he was a part of, however, and judicial torture was the rule and norm of the day, so, shaker of salt, and all that). I can’t say that I agree, not just because I am a Baptist, but also, like you, and in the spirit of Sextus’ style of skepticism itself, because it’s difficult to discern with absolute certainty the views of others, especially of people long dead. The most one can hope for is aim for the most likely in light of all evidence.
However, I agree with Cavaillé insofar as this was a socially, politically, culturally and religiously tumultuous time the libertins were working in, so it would be not just be advantageous in securing offices and posts for living in some degree of security and comfort, but also necessary for survival, for freethinkers of the day to disguise themselves using such tactics. The 16th to the 18th centuries were an age of Nicodemites (a term John Calvin introduced to describe and denounce those practicing Reformed Protestanism in secret awhile remaining publicly Catholic) and dissimulation (not just in terms of religion but also political intrigue). One need only remember the doctrine of mental reservation that was associated with the Society of Jesus, a topic you covered in an earlier episode. All this to say, in spite of my own religious devotion, I do think that, in this case, a deeper analysis of the writings of the libertins is necessary. And besides that of course, it’s fun to learn new ideas, a notion I’m sure you agree with.

I had not thought of the social status many libertins may have had in their elitist tendencies, as you mentioned between 8 and 9 minutes. Social status of philosophers is something I think could do with more analysis.

Also, I do hope that you do give at least one episode to the Jansenists. They apparently did much to spread Cartesian thought with Port Royal Logic, written by Pierre Nicole and Antoine Arnauld, the latter whom you mentioned this episode.

Pardon my long-winded post. I’ve been a listener for years, and finally gathered enough courage to engage. Hope your are doing well in these interesting times!

Professor you forgot to tag themes for this episode.