Who was the French mathematician who turned away from the Enlightenment at the end of his life?Group of answer choicesMaupertuisPriestlyNewtonDescartes
Question
Who was the French mathematician who turned away from the Enlightenment at the end of his life?
- Maupertuis
- Priestly
- Newton
- Descartes
Solution
The French mathematician who notably turned away from the ideals of the Enlightenment towards the end of his life was Pierre-Louis Moreau de Maupertuis. Maupertuis was not only a mathematician but also a philosopher and natural scientist. Initially deeply involved in Enlightenment thought, which emphasized reason, scientific inquiry, and the belief in human progress, Maupertuis later expressed skepticism about the ability of pure reason to achieve understanding of the universe.
His later philosophical works indicate a shift toward more mystical interpretations and reflections on the limitations of human knowledge. Maupertuis's transformation highlights a complex interaction between scientific inquiry and philosophical skepticism, showcasing the evolution of an Enlightenment thinker confronted with the limits of rationalism.
Thus, the correct answer is: Maupertuis.
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