Elogios da razão: Erasmo e a paz incondicional

Abstract

Erasmus of Rotterdam (circa 1466-1536) was one of the most important figures of the humanistic movement of Europe in the first half of the sixteenth century. In Praise of folly (1511), The war and Complaint of peace (both of 1517), the Dutch author addresses the subject of war, showing armed clashes as absurd, irrational, and making an unconditional defense of the negotiated resolution of conflicts. Frankness, vehemence and, in the case of Praise, humor do not make concessions to the powers of his time. Nobles, priests and intellectuals are equally criticized. By emphatically condemning wars, the writer, translator and theologian occupies a unique place in his time and is the forerunner of modern democracies. The author’s idea of God will also be addressed.