Voltaire

Library Journal

Ayer, the distinguished British philosopher, here presents a brief but full account of Voltaire's life and works. Long known for his clear style, Ayer shows that he also has an eye for the telling historical incident; his account of the long and troubled relations between Voltaire and Frederick the Great merits special praise. But the highlight of the book is Ayer's analysis of Voltaire's philosophical arguments, among them his assessment of Pascal's wageran argument supporting belief in God on grounds of self-interest. Ayer argues that Voltaire succeeded in showing the wager to be irrationaland then rejects Voltaire's use of the argument from design to establish the existence of a God of limited power whose actions, like those of human beings, are rigidly bound by law. A beautifully reasoned presentation that is highly recommended. David Gordon, Social Philosophy and Policy Ctr., Bowling Green St. Univ., Ohio