Early Modern Philosophy

Beginning in February 2025, this part of the podcast tackles the enormous topic of philosophy in 17-18th century Europe. Several hundred episodes will be devoted to this topic, as we look in turn at philosophy in France and the Netherlands (with an interlude on southern Europe); the British Isles; and Germany (plus Scandinavia and eastern Europe). Of course many of the most famous philosophers in history will be covered in these three series, for instance Descartes, Spinoza, Rousseau, Hobbes, Locke, Hume, Berkeley, and Kant. But as always we will take an inclusive approach, looking at "minor" figures (who often turn out to be historically and philosophically important) and topics connected to the history of philosophy, for instance religious debates, developments in science, and philosophical themes in literature and the arts.