Encyclopedia (Diderot and d'Alembert)

The Encyclopedia, created by Denis Diderot and Jean le Rond d'Alembert in the 18th century, is a comprehensive collection of knowledge aimed at compiling and democratizing information. It organized scientific, philosophical, and practical ideas into a vast reference work, encouraging critical thinking and challenging traditional authority. By making knowledge accessible to the educated public, it played a key role in spreading Enlightenment ideas, fostering intellectual debate, and promoting progress. The project also faced obstacles from censorship, but it significantly influenced education, science, and societal views, helping pave the way for modern encyclopedias and the dissemination of scientific and humanistic understanding.