Voltaire's essay on tolerance, "Traité sur la tolérance," is a powerful and timeless work that speaks to the importance of tolerance in a society. Written in the 18th century, it was a response to the execution of Jean Calas, a French Huguenot who was falsely accused of murdering his son for converting to Catholicism. The essay is a defense of Calas and a call to action for the French people to embrace tolerance and reject the kind of religious and social intolerance that led to Calas' death.
Voltaire begins his essay by stating that Calas was innocent and that his execution was a grave injustice. He argues that Calas was the victim of a society that was too quick to judge and condemn others based on their religious beliefs. He points out that the accusation against Calas was based on hearsay and that there was no evidence to support it. He also notes that Calas' execution was carried out in spite of the fact that there were numerous witnesses who testified on his behalf.
In making his case for tolerance, Voltaire employs a number of rhetorical devices and arguments. He appeals to the reader's sense of fairness and justice, arguing that it is wrong to condemn someone without evidence. He also appeals to the reader's sense of humanity, pointing out the suffering and injustice that Calas and his family endured as a result of the accusations against him.
Voltaire also employs rhetorical devices such as rhetorical questions and rhetorical appeals to emotion in order to make his case more persuasive. For example, he asks the reader to imagine what it would be like to be falsely accused of a crime and to be subjected to the kind of treatment that Calas received. He also asks the reader to consider the long-term effects of intolerance on society, arguing that it leads to division, conflict, and ultimately, violence.
In addition to these rhetorical devices, Voltaire also makes use of logical arguments to support his case for tolerance. He points out that it is impossible for anyone to be completely certain of their own beliefs, and that it is therefore important to respect the beliefs of others. He also argues that intolerance is a form of ignorance, and that it is important for society to embrace knowledge and understanding in order to move forward.
Overall, Voltaire's essay on tolerance is a powerful and compelling work that speaks to the importance of tolerance in a society. It is a call to action for individuals to embrace tolerance and reject the kind of religious and social intolerance that can lead to injustice and suffering. It is a message that is as relevant today as it was in the 18th century, and one that should be heeded by all.
