What was the Enlightenment? Seeking to recover where, when, and how the concept of 'the Enlightenment' first emerged, this title departs from genealogies that trace it back to political and philosophical developments in England and the Dutch Republic.
Evolving views on revolutions shift from threats to catalysts for social progress, as explored through historical perspectives from Greek antiquity to Leninist Russia. Dan Edelstein examines how classical thinkers advocated for stability, fearing chaos, while Enlightenment philosophers redefined history as progressive, embracing revolution. The narrative highlights the complexities and divisions that arise during revolutionary movements, leading to violence against perceived counterrevolutionaries. This intellectual history prompts reflection on the balance between stability and the desire for change in contemporary society.
The book explores the evolution of the concept of rights from late medieval times through the American and French Revolutions, highlighting how these ideas justified the transfer of sovereignty from monarchs to the people. Dan Edelstein delves into the debates among various influential figures—politicians, jurists, and philosophers—who shaped modern constitutional governance. By tracing the historical lineage of rights claims, the work connects past notions to contemporary understandings, culminating in a comprehensive view of human rights' development up to the 1948 Universal Declaration.