A Study of the works of Claude Buffier

Introduction I. Buffier's life and the phases of his interests II. Buffier as an educationist: innovator within a tradition III. Buffier on metaphysics and religion: common sense and popularisation IV. The sources of Buffier's metaphysical thought V. The influence of Buffier's metaphysics VI. Buffier's contribution to ethical thought: a Jesuit's lay morality VII. Buffier's views on aesthetics and literary creation: mediator in the Querelle des anciens et des modernes Conclusion Appendix A. Letter from Buffier to Mlle de Scudéry Appendix B. List of articles on metaphysics in the Encyclopédie plagiarised from Buffier Appendix C. The article 'Sens commun' in Encyclopédie as an example of plagiarism Bibliography of the works of Claude Buffier List of works cited Index