Diderot, Rousseau y Baudelaire: los modernos frente al cinismo antiguo

Abstract

In this essay, I will analyse three figures of modernity, Diderot, Rousseau and Baudelaire, in relation to ancient philosophy and specifically the moral attitude of the cynic who rejects social conventions in order to lead an authentic and lonely life. Ancient cynicism implies a critical attitude towards the civilized world. The modernity of Diderot, Rousseau and Baudelaire cannot be fully understood without taking into account their criticism of civilization that goes back to the ancient cynics.