Eli’s Mind

(1) The French materialists of the 18th century, such as Denis Diderot, Baron d’Holbach, and Julien Offray de La Mettrie, held a philosophical stance that emphasized the primacy of matter over mind. They believed that all phenomena, including human thought and behavior, could be explained through the laws of nature and physical processes, without recourse to supernatural explanations. Rejecting traditional religious and metaphysical views, they advocated for a scientific understanding of the world based on empirical evidence and reason. Materialists argued for determinism, asserting that human actions were governed by external factors rather than free will, and they promoted secularism and skepticism towards religious authority.

(2) Adam Smith’s concept of the “invisible hand” refers to the notion that individuals, acting in their own self-interest within a free market economy, unintentionally promote the general welfare of society. In his seminal work “The Wealth of Nations,” Smith argues that when individuals pursue their own economic interests—such as seeking profit or fulfilling their needs and desires—they are led by an “invisible hand” to contribute to the overall prosperity of society. Smith suggests that through the mechanism of market forces, including competition and the pursuit of profit, resources are allocated efficiently, leading to the maximization of wealth and the satisfaction of societal needs without the need for centralized planning.

(3) Historians have argued that King Louis XV’s reign damaged France and the cause of absolute monarchy on several grounds. Louis XV’s personal weaknesses, such as his indecisiveness and lack of strong leadership, contributed to political instability and a decline in royal authority. His lavish spending, particularly on wars and court luxuries, exacerbated the state’s financial crisis and increased resentment among the population, leading to social unrest and discontent. Additionally, Louis XV’s failure to address pressing social and economic issues, such as taxation and inequality, weakened the monarchy’s legitimacy and paved the way for revolutionary sentiments. Overall, his reign is seen as a period of decline for France and a setback for the absolutist monarchy, laying the groundwork for the upheavals that would eventually lead to the French Revolution.