A History of Freedom of Thought

A short, lively history of rationalism as the habit of testing every belief by reason, from ancient Greece to modern freethought. A quick read that gives you the big picture in an afternoon.

J. M. Robertson

Why did Europe stop burning witches and believing in miracles? Lecky's classic history follows how the spirit of reason slowly replaced superstition, starting with magic, witchcraft and miracles.

W. E. H. Lecky

The second volume of Lecky's history covers religious persecution, the secularization of politics and the rise of industry. It shows how trusting reason over authority changed laws, governments and everyday life.

W. E. H. Lecky

The short essay that gave the Enlightenment its motto: dare to know, have the courage to use your own reason. Our own Project Aldus edition, a few pages you can read in one sitting.

Immanuel Kant

How did Western rationalism begin, according to its most famous critic? This paper retells Paul Feyerabend's story of the rise of reason in ancient Greece and compares it with Karl Popper's account.

John Preston