About this ebook
This Enlightenment work, laying the foundation of the French Revolution, denies the existence of a soul independent of the body, dismisses free will as an illusion, and rejects final causes or divine purpose in nature. Across two volumes, it critiques religious belief as a product of fear and ignorance, portraying theology as an obstacle to natural morality, defined as the respect for liberty, property, and security. The work provoked notable controversy upon publication, leading to its condemnation and public burning by French authorities. Despite this, it inspired both fierce opposition and philosophical engagement, including critiques by Bergier and Voltaire. The final chapter, Abrégé du Code de la Nature, often attributed to Diderot, encapsulates the book's radical ethical vision.
