Thank you for this commentary. It has led me to pull down my copies of Hume, Smith, et al. (Burke I know by heart). Swift did say he wanted to "vex." But the purpose of vexation was revaluation. I recall being taught that the 18th century was a era of settled ideas, of equilibrium. Reading the works of that era, I never could justify that claim.
the american (ACLU) enlightenment includes both Jewish sanctuaries of LA and NY, and the Anglo Enlightenment includes all of England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland (and Paris!)
Thank you for this commentary. It has led me to pull down my copies of Hume, Smith, et al. (Burke I know by heart). Swift did say he wanted to "vex." But the purpose of vexation was revaluation. I recall being taught that the 18th century was a era of settled ideas, of equilibrium. Reading the works of that era, I never could justify that claim.
the american (ACLU) enlightenment includes both Jewish sanctuaries of LA and NY, and the Anglo Enlightenment includes all of England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland (and Paris!)