Philosophical fiction is any fiction that devotes a significant portion of its content to the sort of questions addressed by philosophy. Its works explore aspects of human existence ranging from the function and role of society to the nature of human motivation, the purpose of life, ethics, the significance of art, and the foundations of knowledge through experience or reason.
Facts
Place of OriginFrance; the philosophical tale (conte philosophique) emerged in the 18th century under Enlightenment writers such as Voltaire and Diderot as a way to critique society under royal censorship. 1 Notable ExampleCandide (1759) by Voltaire 1 Defining TraitDevotes a significant portion of its content to the sort of questions addressed by philosophy, such as ethics, free will and the purpose of life. 1 Connections
Sources
1. Philosophical Fiction (Wikipedia)
Wikimedia Foundation (Wikipedia)Lead paragraph, first sentence
Philosophical fiction is any fiction that devotes a significant portion of its content to the sort of questions addressed by philosophy.
Origin section
In an attempt to circumvent the prohibitions, these philosophers devised new literary genres, including the philosophical tale (conte philosophique), a fictional narrative that critiques society and those in power, conveying philosophical ideas and concepts such as the customs of the nobility, political regimes, religious fanaticism, and certain philosophical currents.
Origin section, final sentence
Voltaire is the foremost exponent of this genre, with Candide, Micromegas, and Zadig being his most representative works.
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