The Inquisition and the debate on tolerance in Europe in the 18th century

This article reviews the critical opinions against the Inquisition in the 18 th century from three standpoints: the stories concerning the Inquisition and their enormous echo and popularity in the 1700's; the debates in favour of tolerance, with particular reference to the French intellectual elite; and, finally the Spanish critical thinkers' opinions. It is clearly demonstrated that the Spanish Inquisition became a universal image of intolerance and its subsequent prejudices.