Positive Atheism: Bayle, Meslier, d'Holbach, Diderot by Charles Devellennes

Reviewed by: Positive Atheism: Bayle, Meslier, d'Holbach, Diderot by Charles Devellennes Lloyd Strickland Devellennes, (Edinburgh: Edinburgh Univ. Press, 2021). Pp. 240. $105 cloth. How best to study the development of modern atheism? In Atheism, argues that while others have sought do so from perspective those who accused atheism, there is instead "an obvious alternative has at least equal validity and coherence: starting with atheists" (3). Accordingly, this book offers a eighteenth-century atheism atheists themselves. Or rather, four thinkers took be positive doctrine in its own right, important social, ethical, political implications. These implications are beating heart book. Atheism consists an introduction followed five chapters. Each first chapters devoted one named book's subtitle—Pierre Jean Baron Denis Diderot—while final chapter concerns state France 1789. Chapter 1 begins Bayle's oft-made argument since moral action stems passions rather than principles, it possible for virtuous atheists. That belief, coupled his assertion people should free follow their consciences, even if consciences wrong, culminates toleration towards all, including atheists, under most extreme provocations. 2 examines atheist system "form radical politics" (63) built thereon, specifically, call overthrow tyranny domination both church rulers favor more egalitarian society. 3 carefully maps out "virtue utilitarian" (117) ethical theory d'Holbach derives materialist ontology attendant vision legal structures capable attaining goal material well-being all. 4 Diderot's religious journey deism skepticism about theism before turning thought, particular social contract theory, push reforms promote greater equality, desire subject state. [End Page 413] The perhaps characterized as apology aforementioned apologists keen present charitable light different visions society painted these (though he does also point some weaknesses along way, such d'Holbach's under-motivated belief natural justice, where virtue vice naturally rewarded punished). As such, successful work, clear rich detail erudite. terms reservations, I shall mention two. First, title book, apt lead potential reader think focus will squarely on active denial God, which how term "positive atheism" normally understood, himself notes early (7). However, enough brief account given above, actual rejection God per se. apparent discrepancy between content removed halfway through introduction, explains recasting not merely "but potentially independent mode seeking self-mastery autonomy" (12). So construed, becomes why much space thought protagonists title. But course, needs already started reading know operating novel understanding atheism." Those base expectations might well expect protagonists' found here. Devellennes' understanding...