In 1751, Diderot co-created the Encyclopédie with Jean le Rond d'Alembert. It was the first encyclopedia to include contributions from many named contributors and the first to describe the mechanical arts.

What did Diderot's encyclopedia do?

Diderot's encyclopedia was a project for linking knowledge and establishing connections and interrelations. It was the largest reference work and publishing project of its time.

What were Diderot's beliefs?

During his career, Diderot moved from Roman Catholicism to deism, atheism, and finally, philosophic materialism. He did not develop a particular system of philosophy, but his original views on a wide variety of subjects influenced many modern thinkers and writers.