History of the Rise and Influence of the Spirit of Rationalism in Europe, Volume 1

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

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 great historian J.B. Bury tells the long struggle of reason against authority, from Greek philosophers to the age of rationalism and modern science. Short, clear and still one of the best introductions to the subject.

J. B. Bury

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