Human Intelligence Collectors: Denis Diderot
Jan 20, 2025
In this captivating discussion, Kate Tunstall, a Professor of French at Oxford, shares insights into Denis Diderot, the revolutionary mind behind the monumental Encyclopédie. They explore Diderot’s eclectic approach, merging practical knowledge with theoretical discourse. The impact of church opposition and his unwavering determination to complete the work, even alone, are compelling highlights. Tunstall paints Diderot as a sociable thinker, emphasizing his love for dialogue and diverse intellectual networks, all while reflecting on his distinctive, digressive writing style.
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Books As Networks Of Knowledge
- Denis Diderot’s instinct was to gather and link diverse knowledge into one expansive work, not to separate subjects strictly.
- The Encyclopédie united arts, crafts and theory to change how people thought in 18th-century Europe.
Encyclopédie’s Radical Aim
- The Encyclopédie spanned 28 volumes and 74,000 articles written by about 130 contributors.
- Its stated aim was to challenge received ideas, especially on religion, using articles and cross-references.
Document Practice As Well As Theory
- Include practical, hands-on knowledge alongside theory when documenting a field.
- Visit workshops and learn crafts to represent how knowledge is produced by hands as well as heads.