Pascal (1623-1662) and Voltaire (1694-1778) were two of the most influential thinkers of the broader Enlightenment Era. Although their lifetimes did not overlap, they shared common interests. However, their very different philosophical perspectives would have strongly clashed. What might a conversation between the two of them have been if they had met at the famed Parisian Cafe Procope (or perhaps in a “waiting room” after death, one that at least to Voltaire resembled the famous Enlightenment cafe)? In this play touching on topics as diverse as literature, logic, religion, rationalism, mathematics, and metaphysics, Patrick Hunt imagines a creative and stimulating dialogue between these great minds. His work challenges and encourages readers to consider their own world views.
About the Author:
Patrick Hunt (Ph.D., Institute of Archaeology, UCL, University of London, 1991) is an archaeologist and historian, who has taught at Stanford University since 1993. National Geographic Society’s Expedition Council sponsored his Hannibal Expedition in 2007-08. He was Director of the Stanford Alpine Archaeology Project from 1994 to 2012 and was elected as a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society (London) in 1989. Hunt is also a National Lecturer for the Archaeological Institute of America.
