... truths were innate, not derived from experience. This type of rationalism was developed by other European philosophers, such as the Dutch philosopher Baruch Spinoza and the German philosopher and mathematician Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz. Descartes" theories were opposed, however, by British philosophers of the empiricist tradition, such as John Locke, who believed that all ideas are derived from the senses. Empiricist traditions stemmed ... ...

• Word Count: 2321
• Approx Pages: 9
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

... are far from the truth which eventually leads them to wisdom. I believe that Candide is a result of Voltaire's reaction to optimism. He wrote this book to mock Enlightenment thinkers like Gottfried Wilhelm von Leibniz who believed that since God is perfect, the world he created must be perfect also. Throughout the entire story, Voltaire attacks the claim that "all is for the ... ...

• Word Count: 600
• Approx Pages: 2
• Grade Level: High School

... truths were innate, not derived from experience. This type of rationalism was developed by other European philosophers, such as the Dutch philosopher Baruch Spinoza and the German philosopher and mathematician Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz. Descartes" theories were opposed, however, by British philosophers of the empiricist tradition, such as John Locke, who believed that all ideas are derived from the senses. Empiricist traditions stemmed ... ...

• Word Count: 2303
• Approx Pages: 9
• Grade Level: Undergraduate