Europe seen through the Asiatic mirror: the debate on oriental despotism in the 18th century.<br>

Authors

  • MARÍA LUISA SÁNCHEZ-MEJÍA

Keywords:

Despotism, Orientalism, Imperialism, Travellers 18th Century, Cultural diversity.

Abstract

The concept of «Oriental despotism,» inherited from the Greeks through Renaissance Humanism, became commonplace in the 18th century as propagated in Montesquieu’s writings. The Orient was used as a counterpoint to European political freedom, serving as a warning against lurking dangers threatening civil liberty during that time. However, with time, descriptions of the Orient from people who had actually visited it, as well as the research of the first Orientalists helped establish a more positive image of Asian nations. The theory of progress re-focussed the debate, laying the foundations for political praxis in the early stages of Europeanimperialism.

Published

2008-03-28

Issue

Section

ARTICLES