Staat, Gott und Vernunft

What was the relationship between absolutism and rationalism in 17th century France? In what sense can the political action of absolute kings be seen as orienting itself according to reason? Can the legitimacy claim of absolute rule withstand philosophical analysis? This book shows that philosophers like Descartes and Pascal had no illusions about the philosophical weakness of legitimacy claims by absolute rulers, though they maintained the importance of the illusion of legitimacy at the same time. The book also shows that the champions of absolutism were eager to stress the rational character of the actions of absolute rulers.