Once you have read "The Republic of Letters, 1500-1800" essay by Ian McNeely and Lisa Wolverton and the background information on your Citizen of the Republic, you will post three letters to the Republic of Letters discussion board. Take on the personae of your Citizen! Yes--write as if you are that person.
Think of this initial letter as a platform to state who you are (in character, of course).
Identify your THREE most important issues and perspectives to discuss with the group (i.e. the development of a capitalist system, democracy, religious tolerance, etc.).
Dont be afraid to push the boundaries and make strong statements that will incite responses. All of the intellectuals chosen for this activity were big thinkers who came up with original ideas. Make sure those ideas come through in your introduction letter in a strong way!
Title: A Citizen's Manifesto: Embracing Enlightenment and Progress
As a member of the Republic of Letters, I, Citizen Voltaire, stand before you with a fervent desire to ignite intellectual discourse and champion the pursuit of knowledge and reason. In the spirit of enlightenment, I bring forth three crucial issues that I believe demand our collective attention and debate.
First and foremost, I advocate for the separation of church and state. It is imperative that we liberate ourselves from the shackles of religious dogma and allow reason to guide our governance and societal norms. Let us create a world where individuals are free to think, question, and express themselves without fear of persecution or oppression from religious institutions.
Secondly, I implore us to strive towards the establishment of a more just and equitable society. The rampant inequality that plagues our world is a stain on humanity's conscience. We must confront the structures that perpetuate this disparity and work towards a system that ensures fairness and opportunity for all.
Lastly, I call upon us to embrace scientific inquiry and embrace progress. The pursuit of knowledge and understanding is the cornerstone of human advancement. Let us reject ignorance and superstition, and instead embrace the wonders that science and reason can offer in shaping a brighter future for generations to come.
In conclusion,
let us engage in spirited discussions, challenge each other's ideas, and collectively strive towards a more enlightened and progressive society. Together, we can be the vanguard of change and usher in an era of intellectual enlightenment and societal transformation.
Yours in pursuit of truth and progress,
Citizen Voltaire