Alan Charles Kors

Alan Charles Kors is a professor emeritus of history at the University of Pennsylvania and a scholar specializing in European intellectual history of the 17th and 18th centuries. He has written extensively about the Enlightenment period and the history of atheism and skepticism in Western thought. Kors is particularly known for his work "Atheism in France, 1650-1729: Volume I: The Orthodox Sources of Disbelief" and as co-editor of the "Encyclopedia of the Enlightenment." His research has focused on the intellectual and cultural origins of modern skepticism and religious doubt. As an advocate for academic freedom, Kors co-founded the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (FIRE) and co-authored "The Shadow University: The Betrayal of Liberty on America's Campuses" with Harvey A. Silverglate. He received the National Humanities Medal in 2005 for his contributions to scholarship and education. Throughout his career, Kors has taught courses on European intellectual history and received multiple teaching awards at the University of Pennsylvania. His work continues to influence discussions about academic freedom, intellectual history, and the development of modern secular thought.

Readers praise Kors' thorough research and clear presentation of complex historical ideas. His "Encyclopedia of the Enlightenment" receives recognition for comprehensive coverage and accessibility for both scholars and students. Reviews highlight his ability to connect historical events to contemporary issues, particularly in "The Shadow University." One Amazon reviewer noted: "Kors presents compelling evidence of how academic freedom has eroded in modern universities." Academic readers appreciate his detailed analysis in "Atheism in France," though some note its dense writing style can be challenging for non-specialists. A Goodreads reviewer wrote: "Exhaustively researched but requires significant background knowledge." Common critiques mention: - Technical language that limits accessibility - High price points of academic texts - Need for more context in specialized topics Ratings: Amazon: - The Shadow University: 4.5/5 (86 reviews) - Encyclopedia of the Enlightenment: 4.7/5 (12 reviews) Goodreads: - Atheism in France: 4.2/5 (15 reviews) - The Shadow University: 4.1/5 (42 reviews)

D'Holbach's Coterie: An Enlightenment in Paris (1976) Examines the intellectual circle around Baron d'Holbach in 18th-century Paris and their role in developing and spreading Enlightenment thought.

Atheism in France, 1650-1729: The Orthodox Sources of Disbelief (1990) Analyzes how orthodox theological debates inadvertently contributed to the rise of atheistic thinking in France.

Encyclopedic Liberty: Political Articles in the Dictionary of Diderot and d'Alembert (2016) Translation and analysis of political entries from the French Enlightenment's most influential encyclopedia.

Naturalism and Unbelief in France, 1650-1729 (2016) Traces the development of naturalistic and irreligious thought in France through theological, philosophical, and scientific texts.

The Shadow University: The Betrayal of Liberty on America's Campuses (1998) Documents challenges to academic freedom and free speech in American universities during the late 20th century.

Epicureans and Atheists in France, 1650-1729 (2016) Investigates the influence of Epicurean philosophy on religious skepticism and atheism in France.

Peter Gay wrote extensively on the European Enlightenment and intellectual history, focusing on the clash between secular and religious thought. His work examines similar themes to Kors regarding rationalism and the development of modern thought.

Jonathan Israel produced comprehensive studies of the Radical Enlightenment and its impact on modern democratic values. His research overlaps with Kors' interest in how Enlightenment ideas challenged traditional authority.

Margaret Jacob focuses on the scientific revolution and its relationship to broader cultural changes in European society. Her work explores the intersection of science, politics and social change during the period Kors examines.

Roy Porter wrote on medical history and the cultural history of the Enlightenment in Britain and Europe. His research covers similar ground to Kors regarding the development of secular thinking and institutional change.

Anthony Grafton specializes in Renaissance and early modern European intellectual history and the history of scholarship. His work examines how classical learning and new forms of knowledge shaped European thought, complementing Kors' studies of intellectual developments.