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The Shadow of Enlightenment: Optical and Political Transparency in France 1789-1848

Online ISBN:
9780191720178
Print ISBN:
9780199544707
Publisher:
Oxford University Press
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The Shadow of Enlightenment: Optical and Political Transparency in France 1789-1848

Theresa Levitt
Theresa Levitt
Department of the History, University of Mississippi
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Published:
8 January 2009
Online ISBN:
9780191720178
Print ISBN:
9780199544707
Publisher:
Oxford University Press

Abstract

This work places revolutionary advances in light and optics in the cultural context of France in the first half of the 19th 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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