The Shadow of Enlightenment
The Shadow of Enlightenment: Optical and Political Transparency in France 1789-1848 Theresa Levitt,
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
ISBN: 0199544700
DDC: 530.094409033
Edition: Hardcover; 2009-03-01
Summary:
This book is the first to place revolutionary advances in light and
optics in the cultural context of France in the first half of the
nineteenth century. The narrative follows the work and careers of
France's two chief rivals on the subject of light: Arago and Biot.
Their disagreement began on the subject of technical optics, but
expanded to include politics, religion, agricultural policy,
education, dinner companions, housing arrangements, photography,
railroads, vital forces, astrology, the Egyptian calendar, and
colonial slavery. At the heart of their disagreement was always a
question of visibility, and the extent of transparency or obscurity
they assigned to the world. Optical transparency formed a crucial
condition for Arago's vision of a liberal republic governed by
reason. Biot's call for strong forms of authority rested on his
claims that the world did not offer itself up for universal agreement
so easily.
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