Encyclopédie

The Encyclopédie, ou dictionnaire raisonné des sciences, des arts et des métiers, commonly known as the Encyclopédie, is a monumental French reference work edited by Denis Diderot and Jean le Rond d'Alembert. Published in Paris between 1751 and 1772, it appeared in 28 volumes (17 volumes of text and 11 volumes of plates) and drew on the contributions of numerous scientists, philosophers, and artisans of the Enlightenment. Its aim was to assemble and disseminate knowledge across the sciences, arts, crafts, and social topics, promoting critical thinking, secular thought, and practical improvement of society.

The project sought to present knowledge in a rational, accessible form and to challenge received authority by emphasizing empirical observation, debate, and the interconnectedness of disciplines. Articles covered a wide range of subjects, from physics, mathematics, and natural history to technology, philosophy, political theory, religion, and education. The Encyclopédie became a vehicle for Enlightenment ideas such as tolerance, reform, and the belief in progress, contributing to changing notions of science, culture, and governance.

Censorship and controversy accompanied its publication. The work faced opposition from religious and political authorities in France, with some volumes or articles banned or altered, and editors risking prosecution. Despite this, the Encyclopédie achieved wide influence across Europe, helping to standardize knowledge, foster secular and humanist currents, and shape the modern conception of encyclopedic reference. It remains a landmark of 18th-century literature and a symbol of Enlightenment epistemology.