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Voltaire and technology’s liberating power
By Jovan Kurbalija
Through the summer, Jovan Kurbalija, director of DiploFoundation and head of the Geneva Internet Platform, explores historical figures from Geneva who anticipated centuries ago the challenges brought on by the technological revolution.
Voltaire, the symbol of enlightenment philosophy based on reason, critical thinking and scientific inquiry, was also a fierce advocate for advancing science and technology. The French philosopher thought everyone should have access to knowledge, and progress in science and technology should aim to improve society, inspired by the work of Isaac Newton, whom he met in England between 1726 and 1728. Voltaire grounded his social and political thinking in facts and experience, building on Newton’s scientific method and John Locke's philosophy on empirical evidence. In his writings, he frequently hit out at the Church and the state for hindering scientific progress, and called for their separation.
However, Voltaire was not a naive believer in scientific progress. Like Shelley in Frankenstein, he exposed the limits of human rationality through his fictional philosopher Zadig, who**,** despite his superior intelligence and virtue, remains a “bewildered plaything of destiny”.
The human brain is a complex organ with the wonderful power of enabling man to find reasons for continuing to believe whatever it is that he wants to believe. – Voltaire
Liberty and freedom were also crucial to Voltaire’s philosophy. He argued that freedom of thought is a fundamental human right and advocated for freedom of expression and religion.
“I disagree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it,” are words often attributed to Voltaire. While there is no proof that they are his, they capture the core of his philosophy of liberty. Voltaire’s beliefs in critical thinking and engaging in debates are just as important today as some 300 years ago. Yet, the dilemmas are different. While social media has offered a platform for a wide range of views to be expressed in the best Voltairean tradition, it has also turned into a breeding ground for violent confrontation and spreading lies and false information.
When it comes to governing social media, Voltaire would likely argue for a balanced approach based on evidence, which is often missing in modern debates. He would also favour agile governance and caution against aiming for a perfect system at the risk of sliding into tyranny. Voltaire would also advocate for finding the right balance between our freedom to express opinions and our freedom to form opinions, reflecting Article 19 of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights.
Profile
1694 Born as François-Marie Arouet in Paris
1755 Moves to Geneva, which he portrays as the city of freedom of thought until the Protestants censor his work
1759 Buys an estate in Ferney across the French border where he spends the next 20 years of his life
1759 Publishes his satire story Candide, or The Optimist, in Geneva
1778 Dies in Paris
Curious about what Voltaire might have thought about the challenges of the AI and digital age? Ask him directly with DiploFoundation’s AI-driven chatbot.
Published on 25 August 2024 at 17:30
ON SOURCE: GENEVA SOLUTIONS