Definitions for philosopheˈfɪl əˌsɒf, ˌfɪl əˈzɒf; Fr. fi lɔˈzɔf; -ˌsɒfs, -ˈzɒfs; Fr. -ˈzɔf

This page provides all possible meanings and translations of the word philosophe


  1. philosophe(Noun)

    any of the leading philosophers or intellectuals of the 18th century French Enlightenment.

  2. philosophe(Noun)

    an incompetent philosopher; a philosophaster.

Webster Dictionary

  1. Philosophe(noun)

    a philosophaster; a philosopher

  2. Origin: [F., a philosopher.]

The Nuttall Encyclopedia

  1. Philosophe

    name for a philosopher of the school of 18th century Enlightenment, represented by the Encyclopedists (q. v.) of France; the class have been characterised by the delight they took in outraging the religious sentiment. See Aufklärung and Illumination, The.


  1. Philosophes

    The philosophes were the intellectuals of the 18th century Enlightenment. Few were primarily philosophers; rather, philosophes were public intellectuals who applied reason to the study of many areas of learning, including philosophy, history, science, politics, economics, and social issues. They had a critical eye and looked for weaknesses and failures that needed improvement. They promoted a "republic of letters" that crossed national boundaries and allowed intellectuals to freely exchange books and ideas. Most philosophes were men, but some were women. They strongly endorsed progress and tolerance, and distrusted organized religion and feudal institutions. Many contributed to Diderot's Encyclopédie. They faded away after the French Revolution reached a violent stage in 1793.

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