Candide, a young man educated by the optimistic philosopher Pangloss, believes that he is living in "the best of all possible worlds." ... The most important change that was taking affect was the Enlightenment or also known as the Age of Reason. ... The background of the 18th century European government and churches is what the enlightenment went against. Europe's churches were not able to keep up with pace of the enlightenment. ... The church was not agreeing at all with ideas of the philosophers that were starting the up rise. ...

• Word Count: 1571
• Approx Pages: 6
• Grade Level: High School

Candide is a compelling novel, written by Voltaire, satirizing the optimism promoted by the philosophers during the Age of Enlightenment. ... Along his conquest, Candide was always accompanied with fellow philosophers Pangloss and Martin. ... By the conclusion of Candide's journey, Candide isn't a philosopher of either optimism or pessimism. ... Candide hires a philosopher named Martin because of his history of misfortunes. ...

• Word Count: 1904
• Approx Pages: 8

Voltaire, one of the most prominent philosophers of the Enlightenment, deals with the principles of Christianity in the book, Candide. ... Upon leaving Eldorado in search of Cunegonde, Candide meets an aging philosopher named Martin who helps him distrust Pangloss's theory of optimism. ...

• Word Count: 2219
• Approx Pages: 9
• Grade Level: High School

Perhaps the most significant reflection Voltaire satirizes is the philosophical optimism of Baron Gottfried Wilhelm Von Leibniz, a very popular and sought-after German philosopher. ... Pangloss responds and pronounces, "I am still of my first opinion; for after all I am a philosopher" (Voltaire 1614). ...

• Word Count: 2236
• Approx Pages: 9