Throughout the late Middle Ages and the early modern period, the Low Countries were home to a vibrant tradition of lay philosophy in Dutch. Sparks of Reason takes a detailed look at this philosophical tradition, with a special focus on the sixteenth century. During this turbulent century, several authors, such as Dirck Volkertsz Coornhert (1522-1590) and Hendrik Laurensz Spiegel (1549-1612), developed a philosophy which was founded on rationality and self-motivation. This “Vernacular Rationalism” was a dynamic melting pot of classical philosophy, Humanism, Spiritualism and popular piety. As this book shows, Vernacular Rationalism was rooted in an age-old Netherlandish tradition and was to become one of the breeding grounds for the Early Enlightenment in the seventeenth-century Dutch Republic. Its point of departure was the inherent goodness of humankind and the possibility of moral growth through rational knowledge. Its goal was perfect happiness.

Also available in paperback: ISBN 9789087045159.