- Biography – Montaigne
- Montaigne and Du Châtelet: Discourse on Death
- Montaigne: Bibliography
- Montaigne’s Purpose of Philosophy
Closing Argument/Why Montaigne Deserves a Place on the PHIL 202 Syllabus:
Montaigne’s historical influence cannot be understated. The vulnerable, reflective voice on display throughout the Essais marks it as a work of philosophy unique from the more scientific and logical approach of the modern period we have studied. Whereas Montaigne’s topics can indeed cover scientific, theological, or purely logical analyses in this manner, his reflective pieces offer a glimpse into an entirely distinct world of philosophy that focuses on what it means and takes to live day-to-day life as a human being. These works solidify philosophy’s role as “medicine for the soul” through their self-reflective tone and collaboration with the history of both philosophy and literature to encourage the reader to find in themselves the same truths that Montaigne seeks in himself. In a fast-paced modern society that can leave many with a loss of identity and self-knowledge amidst its interconnectivity, the kind of philosophy done in the Essais is more valuable and essential for review than ever. Montaigne’s philosophy interweaves ancient schools of thought with self-analysis to create a pillar of modern philosophical thought. To study such an influential thinker would not only benefit students in their philosophical knowledge, but have the potential to influence their personal lives with the companionship of Montaigne’s brilliantly insightful reflections on what it means to be a human being. As such, I believe it would be wise to include his work on the syllabus for PHIL 202 for the refreshing variety it could bring to the course (in a similar manner to Émilie Du Châtelet’s Discourse on Happiness standing out for its focus on applied ethics to living a good life) and for the personal value it has the potential to introduce into student’s lives.