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Did Jean Condorcet (1743-1794) commit suicide?

Régis Olry¹, Geneviève Dupont

¹University of Québec, Trois-Rivières. regis_olry@uqtr.ca

Journal of Medical Biography

|July 18, 2006

Summary

The cause of death for French revolutionary Condorcet remains uncertain. While suicide is widely accepted, stroke or exhaustion are also possible explanations for his demise in prison.

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Area of Science:

History of Science
French Revolution Studies
Biographical Analysis

Background:

Nicolas de Condorcet, a prominent mathematician and philosopher, died in prison in 1794.
His death occurred under circumstances that remain historically debated.
Condorcet was a key figure during the French Revolution.

Discussion:

The prevailing historical consensus suggests suicide as the most probable cause of Condorcet's death.
However, alternative theories propose that he may have succumbed to a stroke or extreme exhaustion.
The lack of definitive evidence fuels ongoing scholarly discussion regarding his final moments.

Key Insights:

Condorcet's death in Bourg-Egalité prison on March 29, 1794, is a subject of historical inquiry.
The ambiguity surrounding his death necessitates a critical examination of available evidence.
Multiple potential causes, including suicide, stroke, and exhaustion, are considered.

Outlook:

Further archival research may shed light on the precise circumstances of Condorcet's death.
Continued analysis of primary sources is crucial for resolving historical debates.
Understanding Condorcet's final days offers insights into the political turmoil of the French Revolution.

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