The Kingdom of Darkness: Bayle, Newton, and the Emancipation of the European Mind from Philosophy

During the 17th century, speculative philosophy significantly declined in Europe, while the Kingdom of Darkness by Dmitri Levitin explores the structural factors that led to this transformation, including the emancipation of natural philosophy from metaphysics, the preference for philology over philosophy among theologians, and the new conception of the limits of the human mind derived from historical and oriental scholarship. Levitin demonstrates how the ideas of Pierre Bayle and Isaac Newton, both products of this transformation, were instrumental in shaping the system of knowledge that emerged in the 18th century.

Format: Hardback
Length: 980 pages
Publication date: 31 March 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

In the vibrant tapestry of European intellectual life, speculative philosophy held a prominent position in the 15th century, its influence permeating the minds of scholars and thinkers alike. However, a remarkable shift occurred by the 17th century, marking a significant decline in the role of speculative philosophy. This transformative journey is intricately explored in Dmitri Levitin's captivating book, The Kingdom of Darkness. Levitin delves into the underlying structural factors that contributed to this remarkable transformation. One of the pivotal elements was the emancipation of natural philosophy from the confines of metaphysics, as scholars sought to understand the world through empirical observation and scientific methodology. Theologians, too, shifted their focus from philosophical inquiry to the study of philology, a field that emphasized the analysis and interpretation of texts, including religious scriptures. Moreover, a fresh perspective on the limitations of the human mind emerged, drawing inspiration from historical and oriental scholarship, particularly concerning China and Japan. Levitin meticulously uncovers the intricate connections between these factors, demonstrating how they shaped the ideas of two of Europe's most renowned thinkers, Pierre Bayle and Isaac Newton. Through a comprehensive examination of hundreds of sources in various languages, Levitin traces the development of Bayle and Newton's conceptions of "The Kingdom of Darkness." This genealogical vision of how philosophy had corrupted the human mind resonated deeply with both men, fueling their desire to rectify this corruption. Their ideas, in turn, played a pivotal role in laying the foundation for the system of knowledge that emerged in the 18th century, marking a significant milestone in human intellectual history. In The Kingdom of Darkness, Levitin offers a profound exploration of the interplay between philosophy, theology, and the human mind. Through his meticulous research and insightful analysis, he sheds light on the transformative forces that shaped the intellectual landscape of the 17th century, leaving an indelible mark on the development of modern thought.

Weight: 1526g
Dimension: 163 x 239 x 63 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108837002