From sensualism to society in Helvethus: education and legislation as civilizing vehicles
Keywords:
Helvetius. Education. Legislation. Sensibility. Pleasure.Abstract
The article investigates how education and legislation can be allied to the sensualism of Claude-Adrien Helvetius for the progressive improvement of a society. If we consider that the human beings have the physical sensibility as the primary access to what surrounds them, and consequently is the principle of pleasure that guides their actions, we have apparently an individualistic conception of human being. However, according to the author, it is this same principle that can lead human beings to the general interest. In this way, it is necessary to comprehend the role of education and legislation proposed by Helvétius to link the private interest to the public interest.References
DOMENECH, J. l’Ethique des Lumières. Les fondements de la morale dans la philo- sophie française du XVIII siècle. Paris: J.Vrin. 1989.
HELVÉTIUS, C.-A. De l’Homme. Paris: Fayard. 1989.
______. Do Espírito. São Paulo: Abril Cultural. 1973. (Coleção Os Pensadores).
______. Le Bonheur. In: Oeuvres completes de M. Helvetius. Tome premier [-qua- trieme]. 1777.
HISCHMANN, A. O. As paixões e os interesses. Rio de Janeiro: Paz e Terra. 1979.
LADD JR, E. C. Helvétius And D’Holbach: La Moralisation De La Politique. In: Journal of the History of Ideas, Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press, 23, ap. - je, p. 221-238, 1962.
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