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This classic work by William Paley was one of the most popular
books in England and America in the early nineteenth century. Its
significance lies in the fact that it marks an important point at
which eighteenth century "whiggism" began to be transformed into
nineteenth century "liberalism." First published in 1785, Paley's
"Principles of Moral and Political Philosophy" was originally based
on his Cambridge lectures of 1766-1776. It was designed for
instructional purposes and was almost immediately adopted as a
required text for all undergraduates at Cambridge. The great
popularity of Paley's "Principles" is perhaps due in part to the
author's remarkable gift for clear exposition. Even today, this
work is very readable and easily comprehended. But the popularity
of the book also reflected the fact that Paley expressed some of
the leading scientific, theological, and ethical ideas of his time
and place. In this respect, Paley's great classic provides valuable
insight into the Anglo-American mind of the early nineteenth
century and helps us better understand the thinking processes and
evolving concepts of liberty and virtue that were displacing the
old "whiggism" of the preceding century. As editor D. L. Le Mahieu
states, "To Paley, the undeniable demands of self interest
coincided rather than conflicted with the needs of society." Paley
believed that "it was the utility of any moral rule alone which
determined obligation." In his political theory, Paley rejected
social contract theory and substituted instead a natural history of
civil society. His opposition to electoral reform, and, later, the
French Revolution, "became part of a larger ideological discourse
that helped the British elites withstand the revolutionary currents
of the 1790s."D. L. Le Mahieu is Hotchkiss Presidential Professor
at Lake Forest College in Illinois. He is also the author of "The
Mind of William Paley: A Philosopher and His Age" (1976) and " A
Culture for Democracy " (1988).Click here for a pdf file of a
brochure with additional information about this title.
"Revered Wisdom: Christianity" offers an abridged edition of
William Paley's seminal work, "A View of the Evidence of
Christianity", which was required reading at Cambridge University
until the twentieth century. A classic in the world of theological
debate, the book argues, in lucid prose, the genuine nature of the
intellectual credentials of Christianity. Although today William
Paley is a controversial figure, as many of his assertions laid the
foundation for the Intelligent Design movement, there is no doubt
of the influence and importance of his work.
This classic work by William Paley was one of the most popular
books in England and America in the early nineteenth century. Its
significance lies in the fact that it marks an important point at
which eighteenth century "whiggism" began to be transformed into
nineteenth century "liberalism." First published in 1785, Paley's
"Principles of Moral and Political Philosophy" was originally based
on his Cambridge lectures of 1766-1776. It was designed for
instructional purposes and was almost immediately adopted as a
required text for all undergraduates at Cambridge. The great
popularity of Paley's "Principles" is perhaps due in part to the
author's remarkable gift for clear exposition. Even today, this
work is very readable and easily comprehended. But the popularity
of the book also reflected the fact that Paley expressed some of
the leading scientific, theological, and ethical ideas of his time
and place. In this respect, Paley's great classic provides valuable
insight into the Anglo-American mind of the early nineteenth
century and helps us better understand the thinking processes and
evolving concepts of liberty and virtue that were displacing the
old "whiggism" of the preceding century. As editor D. L. Le Mahieu
states, "To Paley, the undeniable demands of self interest
coincided rather than conflicted with the needs of society." Paley
believed that "it was the utility of any moral rule alone which
determined obligation." In his political theory, Paley rejected
social contract theory and substituted instead a natural history of
civil society. His opposition to electoral reform, and, later, the
French Revolution, "became part of a larger ideological discourse
that helped the British elites withstand the revolutionary currents
of the 1790s."D. L. Le Mahieu is Hotchkiss Presidential Professor
at Lake Forest College in Illinois. He is also the author of "The
Mind of William Paley: A Philosopher and His Age" (1976) and " A
Culture for Democracy " (1988).Click here for a pdf file of a
brochure with additional information about this title.
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