Conclusion
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Jeffrey R. Wigelsworth
Abstract
Steven Shapin described the interlocking spheres of intellectual enquiry in early modern England as theology, politics and natural philosophy. These overlapped because they were connected in legitimations, justifications and criticisms, especially in the use of conceptions of God and nature to comment upon political order. This chapter presents these relationships by reconstructing the intertwined erudite endeavours of John Toland, Anthony Collins, Matthew Tindal, Thomas Chubb and Thomas Morgan. At this point the perceived threat of deism is acknowledged to have declined in Britain. Furthermore, this chapter explores the generally held view of English deists. The deists were not modern. Nonetheless, generations of Enlightenment historians have positioned them as the founding fathers of the movement leading to the French Revolution and modernity. If the portrait of deism is accepted, then a reassessment of deism in England is necessary, especially in light of the characterizations of the English Enlightenment as clerical and strongly religious.
Abstract
Steven Shapin described the interlocking spheres of intellectual enquiry in early modern England as theology, politics and natural philosophy. These overlapped because they were connected in legitimations, justifications and criticisms, especially in the use of conceptions of God and nature to comment upon political order. This chapter presents these relationships by reconstructing the intertwined erudite endeavours of John Toland, Anthony Collins, Matthew Tindal, Thomas Chubb and Thomas Morgan. At this point the perceived threat of deism is acknowledged to have declined in Britain. Furthermore, this chapter explores the generally held view of English deists. The deists were not modern. Nonetheless, generations of Enlightenment historians have positioned them as the founding fathers of the movement leading to the French Revolution and modernity. If the portrait of deism is accepted, then a reassessment of deism in England is necessary, especially in light of the characterizations of the English Enlightenment as clerical and strongly religious.
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
