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PHILOSOPHE:
AP European History
Philosopher’s Cafe 2025: Speed Dating
Research Paper: Philosophes beliefs
You are to research a philosophe of the Enlightenment era and assume his/ her identity. Written in
the first person perspective, you are to address at least two of the following topics:
1. What is the ideal government? (Consider its structure, who should rule, what rights
people should have, and/ or the relationship of government to the individual)
Jonathan Swift had a complex and often critical view of politics and government, particularly
in relation to the British government’s treatment of Ireland. His writings reflect his deep
skepticism of authority, governance, and the way political systems operate. Here are some
key points about his political views:
1. Critique of British Colonialism and Imperialism: Swift was a sharp critic of British
rule over Ireland. As an Anglo-Irish writer, he witnessed firsthand the economic and
social exploitation of Ireland by the British. He saw the English government's policies
as damaging to the Irish population, leading to poverty, famine, and cultural erosion.
In works like A Modest Proposal, he sharply satirized the British elite's indifference to
Irish suffering, suggesting (with dark irony) that the Irish might sell their children as
food to the wealthy, highlighting the extreme disparity and callousness of British
policies.
2. Cynicism Toward Political Power: Swift had a deeply cynical view of politics and
political leaders. He believed that most politicians were self-serving, corrupt, and
motivated by personal gain rather than the welfare of the people they governed. His
writing frequently exposes the absurdity and hypocrisy of political systems. In
Gulliver's Travels, for example, he satirizes various political systems and factions,
especially through his depiction of the petty politics of the Lilliputians, the island
nation that Gulliver visits. The Lilliputians engage in ridiculous, small-minded
disputes over matters like how to crack eggs, a clear metaphor for the triviality of
political conflicts in the real world.
3. Absurdity of Human Nature and Politics: Swift saw human nature as fundamentally
flawed, and he believed that political systems were often reflections of those flaws.
His view was not just that governments were corrupt, but that they were ultimately
doomed to failure due to the inherent vices of those in power. In Gulliver's Travels, the
contrast between Gulliver's idealistic views and the corrupt, power-hungry societies
he encounters suggests that political institutions are often incapable of delivering
justice or reason.
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4. Advocacy for Reform, Not Revolution: Despite his harsh critiques of government, Swift
did not advocate for violent revolution. He was a conservative in the sense that he
believed in the necessity of a stable government, but one that should be reformed to
better serve the common good. His satire was aimed at reforming existing structures
rather than overthrowing them. For instance, in his political pamphlets and essays, he
argued for more just and humane policies for Ireland, but he did not call for radical
upheaval.
5. Satire as Political Weapon: Swift believed that satire could be a powerful tool to
expose the flaws in political systems and the behavior of political leaders. His works
often use biting humor and irony to make serious political points. For example, in A
Modest Proposal, Swift uses grotesque humor to criticize the British elite's
exploitation of the Irish poor. The piece’s shock value forces readers to confront the
injustices that were commonplace at the time.
In summary, Jonathan Swift’s political views were characterized by a profound
disillusionment with the political systems of his time. While he did not reject government
entirely, he saw it as corrupt and ineffective, driven more by personal ambition and greed
than by any concern for justice or the welfare of the people. His works, particularly his
satires, aimed to expose these flaws and encourage reform, while simultaneously warning of
the dangers of unchecked political power.
2. What is the most accurate description of human nature? (Are we good or bad, rational
or irrational?)
Jonathan Swift’s view of human nature is famously pessimistic. He believed that humans
were inherently flawed, driven by selfishness, irrationality, and a range of vices. He didn't see
people as inherently "good" or "bad," but rather as creatures prone to moral failings, whose
actions are often motivated by base desires and self-interest rather than reason, virtue, or
compassion.
Here are some key aspects of Swift’s view on human nature:
1. Inherently Flawed and Self-Serving: Swift believed that humans, by nature, are selfish
and prone to corruption. He saw the pursuit of power, wealth, and personal gain as
central to human behavior. This is evident in his satirical works, where he frequently
depicts characters who are driven by their own desires and are willing to deceive,
manipulate, or harm others to achieve their goals. In Gulliver's Travels, for example,
the societies Gulliver encounters are often filled with individuals who are obsessed
with petty power struggles or personal interests, rather than the greater good.
2. Rationality vs. Irrationality: While Swift acknowledged that humans have the capacity
for reason, he believed that this reason is often overridden by irrational impulses,
emotions, and desires. In his view, humans are not primarily rational beings. The
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characters in Gulliver's Travels often illustrate how rational thought is corrupted or
subordinated to self-interest and pride. For example, the political conflicts in Lilliput,
where leaders argue over trivial matters like how to crack an egg, showcase the
absurdity and irrationality of political and social debates.
3. Human Nature is a Source of Satire: Swift's deep disillusionment with humanity is
perhaps best expressed through his use of satire. He often used irony, exaggeration,
and grotesque humor to expose the flaws he saw in human behavior. A Modest
Proposal is a prime example of how Swift uses shocking satire to illustrate the depths
of human greed and indifference. He satirizes the British aristocracy’s exploitation of
the Irish poor by suggesting that the impoverished might sell their children as a food
source, forcing readers to confront the moral and social callousness that existed in
society.
4. Moral and Intellectual Pride: Swift was particularly critical of human pride—both
moral and intellectual. He believed that humans often inflate their own sense of
importance and rationality. This inflated sense of self-importance leads to cruelty,
arrogance, and a lack of empathy for others. In Gulliver's Travels, this theme is
explored in the various societies that Gulliver encounters. The Lilliputians, for
instance, engage in ridiculous conflicts over seemingly insignificant matters,
suggesting that humans' intellectual pursuits often lead to trivial or destructive ends.
5. A Dark, Pessimistic View of Humanity: Overall, Swift’s portrayal of human nature is
deeply cynical. He believed that humans are not inherently virtuous or capable of
great moral good. Instead, he viewed humanity as a species prone to error, folly, and
vice. His work suggests that individuals are often driven by personal desire rather
than any noble or rational impulses.
In conclusion, Jonathan Swift’s view of human nature is more aligned with the idea that
humans are irrational, self-serving, and morally flawed. He believed that reason is often
overwhelmed by base instincts and that humanity’s propensity for pride, greed, and cruelty
makes it difficult to achieve moral or intellectual progress. His works are a reflection of his
belief that, while humans may have the potential for good, they are more often ensnared by
their weaknesses.
Jonathan Swift (1667–1745) was an Irish writer, satirist, and political pamphleteer, widely regarded
as one of the greatest prose satirists in the English language. Here are some key points about him:
1. Author of Gulliver's Travels (1726): His most famous work, Gulliver's Travels, is a satirical
novel that critiques human nature, society, and contemporary politics. It tells the story of
Lemuel Gulliver, an explorer who encounters strange civilizations. The novel has been
interpreted as a commentary on everything from government and corruption to the
limitations of human reason.
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2. Satire and Social Critique: Swift is known for his sharp wit and biting satire. He used satire
to criticize issues like politics, human behavior, and religious practices. One of his most
famous satirical essays is “A Modest Proposal” (1729), in which he suggests, with dark irony,
that the impoverished Irish might ease their economic troubles by selling their children as
food to the rich.
3. Political Involvement: Swift was deeply involved in the politics of his time, particularly
concerning the Irish struggle against British rule. Though an Anglo-Irish landowner, he
supported Irish causes and criticized the British government for exploiting the Irish
population.
4. Religious and Philosophical Views: Swift was a devout Anglican, but he was also critical of
both Catholicism and Protestantism, often mocking religious zealotry and hypocrisy. His
writings reveal a dark, often pessimistic view of human nature, which was shaped by his
personal experiences, including his struggles with mental health.
5. Personal Life and Legacy: Swift’s personal life was marked by his relationships with
women like Esther Johnson (whom he called Stella) and his eventual retreat from society
due to health issues. He died in 1745, leaving a legacy as a literary giant whose works
continue to be studied for their keen insight into human behavior and society.
In summary, Swift’s work remains influential for its masterful use of satire, political commentary,
and deep exploration of human flaws. His sharp wit and enduring critiques of his time make him a
central figure in the history of English literature.
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For this paper, you must utilize at least two outside sources; one must be the Fordham site; the
other can be the Hunt or Friehler textbooks. The paper is to be written in the first person and must
have an introduction with a thesis statement and a conclusion. You may quote your character with
his or her famous words where necessary. Make sure you elaborate on any quotes. Your paper must
have a “Works Cited” page at the end.
Speed Dating:
You will be participating in a speed dating scenario to find a suitable companion for conversation.
You should come dressed as your character (at a minimum, tape a picture of your character on your
chest) and bring money to purchase a drink and a snack.
Calling Card:
At the cafe speed date, you will give out your “calling card” to the attendees (need 16 cards). This
card “nutshells” your philosophe and his/her ideas including vital background information, a list of
your major publications with dates, bullet points of your key ideas, and a key quotation.
Goal: By the end of class you will have interviewed each character at this salon and chosen your
perfect “mate” for conversation. You will describe in writing your reason for your mate as an “exit
slip.”
APEH NAME:
PHILOSOPHE:
Jonathan Swift
(1667–1745)
Background information
● Anglo-Irish satirist, writer, and political pamphleteer
● Spent life condemning the British exploitation over Ireland
● Later years marked by physical and mental health problems
Major publications with dates:
● A Tale of a Tub (1704)
● Gulliver's Travels (1726)
● A Modest Proposal (1729)
APEH NAME:
PHILOSOPHE:
Jonathan Swift
(1667–1745)
Key ideas:
● Human nature is inherently flawed
● Satire can be used as a political and social tool
● Moral and religious criticism
● Criticism of politics and government
“ Every man desires to live long, but no man wishes to be old”
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