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Cover of A Short History of Freethought Ancient and Modern, Volume 1 of 2: Third edition, Revised and Expanded, in two volumes

A Short History of Freethought Ancient and Modern, Volume 1 of 2: Third edition, Revised and Expanded, in two volumes

Written by J. M. (John Mackinnon) Robertson

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About this book

"A Short History of Freethought Ancient and Modern, Volume 1 of 2" by J. M. Robertson is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The work delves into the evolution of freethought across different cultures and time periods, tracing its origins, developments, and influence on modern thought. It navigates through the frameworks of ancient religions, the rise of skepticism, and the interplay between rationalism and belief, presenting a narrative that emphasizes the importance of critical inquiry throughout human history. The opening of the book sets the stage by exploring the origin and meaning of "freethought" and the various terms historically associated with it, such as "deist" and "infidel." Robertson highlights the developments in the English language regarding these concepts, particularly in the late 17th century, and discusses previous historiographical attempts to address freethought, pointing to a lack of comprehensive treatment by freethinkers themselves. Through this groundwork, he prepares readers to understand the psychological and social dynamics behind freethinking—positing that it constitutes a reaction against conventional doctrines and an assertion of intellectual freedom—paving the way for a detailed exploration of freethought's history across different civilizations in subsequent chapters.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in A Short History of Freethought Ancient and Modern, Volume 1 of 2: Third edition, Revised and Expanded, in two volumes, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 20 hours
  • advanced
  • scholarly
  • analytical
  • informative

J. M. Robertson's "A Short History of Freethought Ancient and Modern, Volume 1 of 2" is a foundational early 20th-century historical work meticulously chronicling the evolution of freethought across diverse cultures and epochs. It systematically traces the origins of skepticism and rationalism from ancient religious frameworks through various historical developments, emphasizing the persistent human impulse towards critical inquiry. The volume initiates its exploration by defining 'freethought' and related terms, critiquing prior historiographical efforts, and laying the groundwork for understanding freethinking as a psychological and social reaction against conventional doctrines. Ultimately, Robertson presents a comprehensive narrative asserting the enduring significance of intellectual freedom throughout human civilization.

“Freethought, in its essence, is the assertion of intellectual freedom, a reaction against conventional doctrines and an embrace of critical inquiry.”

Key themes

Intellectual Freedom and Skepticism
This is the central theme of the book, exploring the inherent human drive to question, doubt, and think independently of dogma or authority. Robertson traces the manifestations of this impulse across various historical periods and cultures, arguing for its fundamental role in intellectual and societal progress. He frames freethought as an active assertion of intellectual autonomy.
Rationalism vs. Dogma
The book continually highlights the tension between rational inquiry and adherence to established religious or societal dogmas. Robertson examines how rational thought has historically confronted and sometimes been suppressed by institutionalized beliefs, and how this conflict has shaped the development of ideas and societies.
Historiography and the Legacy of Ideas
Robertson not only writes history but also critically examines how history itself has been written, particularly regarding freethought. He challenges previous narratives that he deems incomplete or biased, asserting the necessity of a comprehensive, accurate account of freethinkers and their contributions. This theme underscores the importance of historical accuracy and the ongoing construction of intellectual lineages.

Worth discussing

How does Robertson define 'freethought,' and how has this definition evolved or remained consistent over time?

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