Montesquieu
Discourses, Dissertations, and Dialogues on Politics, Science, and Religion

The first complete translation of twenty-one texts by Montesquieu , presenting his views on politics, science, economics, and religion.

David W. Carrithers (Edited and translated by), Philip Stewart (Edited and translated by)

9781108794855, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 19 November 2020

286 pages
22.8 x 15.1 x 1.6 cm, 0.42 kg

'This collection of previously untranslated works by Montesquieu is beautifully executed and long overdue. It demonstrates the great sweep of Montesquieu's esprit across topics ranging from modern science to ancient Rome to the politics, morality, and economics of his time. Scholars of Montesquieu and students of the Enlightenment will long be indebted to Carrithers and Stewart for this very fine volume.' Sharon Krause, Brown University

A number of Montesquieu's lesser-known discourses, dissertations and dialogues are made available to a wider audience, for the first time fully translated and annotated in English. The views they incorporate on politics, economics, science, and religion shed light on the overall development of his political and moral thought. They enable us better to understand not just Montesquieu's importance as a political philosopher studying forms of government, but also his stature as a moral philosopher, seeking to remind us of our duties while injecting deeper moral concerns into politics and international relations. They reveal that Montesquieu's vision for the future was remarkably clear: more science and less superstition; greater understanding of our moral duties; enhanced concern for justice, increased emphasis on moral principles in the conduct of domestic and international politics; toleration of conflicting religious viewpoints; commerce over war, and liberty over despotism as the proper goals for mankind.

Introduction
A general note on the texts
I. The uses of science
II. The Romans
III. Reflections on national character
IV. Politics and morality
V. Statecraft
VI. Economics and fiscal policy
VII. Defense of the spirit of law
Bibliographical note
Index.

Subject Areas: Political science & theory [JPA], Western philosophy: Enlightenment [HPCD1], European history [HBJD]