Libertynizm w powieści francuskiej XVIII wieku
Libertinism in the French 18 th Century Novel

Author(s): Maciej Abramowicz
Subject(s): Christian Theology and Religion, Cultural history, Studies of Literature, Polish Literature, Theory of Literature
Published by: Wydawnictwa Uniwersytetu Warszawskiego
Keywords: Libertinism; Anti-clericalism; Eroticism in literaturę; 18th-century French novel; Materialism and atheism
Summary/Abstract: Libertinism, a cultural and philosophical movement spanning from the 16th to the 19th century, challenged societal, religious, and intellectual constraints, emphasizing reason and rejecting dogmas. It is distinguished by its strong anti-Christian and anti-clerical elements, as well as its association with sexual permissiveness. While rooted in earlier philosophical ideas from figures like Lucretius and Epicurus, libertinism flourished in 17th-century France, where it became tied to intellectual circles. This movement critiqued religious authority, often with an atheistic or materialist perspective. In the 18th century, libertinism shifted toward a focus on eroticism, with works by authors such as Voltaire, Diderot, and de Sade exploring human desires beyond moral and religious constraints. De Sade, in particular, pushed libertinism to its extremes, developing a philosophy where pleasure and cruelty became central, and the existence of a divine creator was rejected. His works envisioned a universe indifferent to human suffering, where sexuality was detached from emotional connection and aimed solely at individual gratification. Ultimately, libertinism contributed to the decline of traditional moral values, leaving behind a nihilistic worldview focused on personal freedom at the expense of societal norms.

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