Condorcet

Marie Jean Antoine Nicolas de Caritat, Marquis de Condorcet (17 September 1743 – 29 March 1794), was an influential thinker during the French Revolution. Known simply as Condorcet, he was a philosopher, mathematician, and political scientist who championed liberal economic policies, educational reform, and human rights.

During the early stages of the Revolution, Condorcet was actively involved in politics. In 1789, he supported the Tennis Court Oath (a pledge by members of the Third Estate not to disband until a new constitution had been written). Condorcet quickly became a member of the Legislative Assembly and later the National Convention. In these roles, he was a vocal proponent of Enlightenment ideals and human advancement.

Condorcet's contributions were significant in the sphere of educational reform. He proposed a comprehensive plan to create a public education system in France. His "Report on the General Organization of Public Instruction" (1792) included recommendations for primary, secondary, and higher education levels. This proposal aimed at ensuring equal access to education for all citizens, thereby promoting social equality and progress.

His political alignments often put him at odds with revolutionary leaders. Condorcet was a Girondin (a faction known for its moderate republican stance) and opposed the Montagnards (a radical faction led by figures like Robespierre). This opposition became more pronounced during the Reign of Terror (1793-1794), a period marked by extreme measures and mass executions. Condorcet spoke against the execution of King Louis XVI, advocating for the king's exile instead. This stance caused further rifts between him and the radical revolutionaries.

In 1793, as the political climate intensified, Condorcet was declared a traitor by the radical Jacobins. He went into hiding to avoid arrest, during which he wrote one of his most famous works, "Esquisse d'un Tableau Historique des Progrès de l'Esprit Humain" (Sketch for a Historical Picture of the Progress of the Human Mind). In this philosophical treatise, he outlined the evolution of human thought and society, predicting continued progress towards a more rational and just world.

Eventually, Condorcet was captured in March 1794. He was found dead in his prison cell on 29 March 1794, under suspicious circumstances. Whether his death was a result of suicide or neglect has been a topic of debate among historians. Despite his tragic end, Condorcet's legacy as a defender of Enlightenment principles and educational reforms has been enduring. His works continue to be studied and appreciated for their forward-thinking views on human rights and societal progress.

• Marquis de Condorcet (1743-1794) was a prominent philosopher and mathematician who played a significant role in the intellectual currents during the French Revolution.
• He was a strong advocate for women's rights, education, and the abolition of slavery, which were considered revolutionary ideas in a male-dominated society.
• Condorcet proposed the concept of the 'natural and inalienable rights' of individuals, greatly influencing ideas of democracy and social justice.
• He envisioned a society where progress would lead to continuous improvement in human conditions, coining the term 'perfectibility' to describe this optimistic belief in humanity's future.
• During the Reign of Terror, Condorcet became a target due to his moderate views and was forced into hiding; he eventually died in prison on 29 March 1794, where he wrote his last work, 'Sketch for a Historical Picture of the Progress of the Human Mind.'
• Condorcet's work on voting systems laid the groundwork for modern social choice theory; he introduced methods to ensure fairer outcomes in elections.
• Despite his significant contributions, Condorcet's ideas were largely overshadowed by more radical figures of the Revolution, leaving his legacy to be rediscovered in later years.