François de La Mothe Le Vayer
French philosopher, essayist, and skeptic of the 17th century, associated with libertinage érudit; a member of the Académie française and tutor to the young Louis XIV. He sometimes wrote under the pseudonym Orasius Tubero and authored works such as De la vertu des païens and Dialogues faits à l'imitation des anciens.
Books
This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.
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1. œuvres De François De La Mothe Le Vayer, Conseiller D'estat Ordinaire, Vol. 6
Conseiller d'Estat ordinaire
An erudite collection of skeptical essays, dialogues, and letters that probe morality, religion, politics, and the limits of human knowledge through classical exempla and urbane irony. It advances a tempered skepticism that exposes the relativity of customs and opinions, promotes prudent moderation and civil tolerance, and reflects on education—especially of rulers—as the art of forming sound judgment amid uncertainty.
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2. Dialogos Del Esceptico
Through a series of erudite, ironic conversations, this work applies a rigorous skeptical method to undermine dogmatic claims across philosophy, theology, ethics, and politics. Highlighting the fallibility of the senses, the variability of customs, and the contradictions among authorities, it recommends suspending judgment and relying on probability, utility, and prudent conformity to convention. The result is a defense of intellectual modesty, tolerance, and practical wisdom, presenting skepticism as a calm, moderate way to live amid uncertainty.
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3. Hexameron Rustique, Ou Les Six Journées Passées à La Campagne Entre Des Personnes Studieuses
Les Six Journées Passées à La Campagne Entre Des Personnes Studieuses
Over six days in a country retreat, a circle of learned friends engage in wide-ranging conversations that blend classical erudition with skeptical inquiry into nature, morals, religion, and social customs. Through witty, digressive debates framed by pastoral observations, they test received opinions, emphasize the limits of certainty, and champion moderation, tolerance, and sociable leisure as the proper companions of study and reflective life.
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