3 Matter, motion, and Newtonian public science, 1695–1714
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Jeffrey R. Wigelsworth
Abstract
Newton envisaged an immaterial, all-powerful, and active God at the head of the universe. The difference between deist and non-deist presentation of contemporary natural philosophy is indistinguishable in the middle of the eighteenth century. It is also worth noting at this stage, that many of the views advanced by the deists are not reducible to one representative. Tindal saw unfounded appropriation of the soul's care as a defining aspect of priestcraft. Collins and his fellow deists proposed that total human freedom was the basis for the liberty enjoyed by all Britons. Many saw Collins writings as emblematic of deism. Any accurate picture of deism or deists is found in the writings of the individual deists themselves. They were more than owners of a meaningless pejorative designation hurled at them by the godly. One of the most vocal opponents of deism was Henry Sacheverell DD, who in 1709 created much controversy with his inflammatory oratory.
Abstract
Newton envisaged an immaterial, all-powerful, and active God at the head of the universe. The difference between deist and non-deist presentation of contemporary natural philosophy is indistinguishable in the middle of the eighteenth century. It is also worth noting at this stage, that many of the views advanced by the deists are not reducible to one representative. Tindal saw unfounded appropriation of the soul's care as a defining aspect of priestcraft. Collins and his fellow deists proposed that total human freedom was the basis for the liberty enjoyed by all Britons. Many saw Collins writings as emblematic of deism. Any accurate picture of deism or deists is found in the writings of the individual deists themselves. They were more than owners of a meaningless pejorative designation hurled at them by the godly. One of the most vocal opponents of deism was Henry Sacheverell DD, who in 1709 created much controversy with his inflammatory oratory.
Chapters in this book
- Front matter i
- Contents v
- Acknowledgements vi
- Abbreviations, dates, and quotations ix
- Introduction 1
- 1 The meaning of 1689 14
- 2 The issue of succession 44
- 3 Matter, motion, and Newtonian public science, 1695–1714 71
- 4 The spectre of High Church 109
- 5 Matter, motion, and Newtonian public science, 1720–41 142
- 6 The age of Walpole 167
- Conclusion 204
- Bibliography 209
- Index 233
Chapters in this book
- Front matter i
- Contents v
- Acknowledgements vi
- Abbreviations, dates, and quotations ix
- Introduction 1
- 1 The meaning of 1689 14
- 2 The issue of succession 44
- 3 Matter, motion, and Newtonian public science, 1695–1714 71
- 4 The spectre of High Church 109
- 5 Matter, motion, and Newtonian public science, 1720–41 142
- 6 The age of Walpole 167
- Conclusion 204
- Bibliography 209
- Index 233
