Conclusion

Abstract

Analysis of the concept of judgment in the Essais emphasizes the complexity and richness of Montaigne’s thought with regard to all activities of the mind. More significantly, a comparison of the principal psychological terms which describe and embody the intellectual, moral, and emotional characteristics of the psyche indicates that Montaigne does not merely use these words for the purpose of lexical variation. Entendement, sens, raison, and jugement can be synonymous within specific contexts; however, an examination of their general usage demonstrates that they are markedly different.