Synopses & Reviews
William Whiston succeeded Sir Isaac Newton as Lucasian Professor of Mathematics at Cambridge in 1703. Like his predecessor, Whiston presents an interesting combination of the scientific and the theological mind, but whereas Newton carefully concealed the true nature of his religious beliefs, Whiston, a well-known preacher, did not. This is the first modern full-length study of Whistonâs Newtonian rapprochement between science and religion. Professor Force examines the writings in which Whiston applies his Newtonian Biblical interpretation to social, political, and theological issues in the context of the Newtonian movement at the turn of the eighteenth century. The book revises the conventional view of Whiston as a figure peripheral to the Newtonian movement and reveals the nature of Whistonâs âNewtonianismâand his individual eccentricities. It also offers valuable insights into Newton himself and the religious beliefs he so often concealed.
Synopsis
'William Whiston succeeded Sir Isaac Newton as Lucasian Professor of Mathematics at Cambridge in 1703, and was also a well-known preacher. This is the first modern full-length study of Whistonâs Newtonian rapprochement between science and religion.\n
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Synopsis
A study of Sir Isaac Newtonâs successor as Lucasian Professor of Mathematics at Cambridge.
Table of Contents
List of illustrations; Foreword Richard H. Popkin; Preface; Introduction: Erkennen and Verstehen in the history of philosophy, and William Whistonâs âNewtonianismâ; 1. The temper and times of a Newtonian controversialist; 2. Whiston, the Burnet controversy, and Newtonian biblical interpretation; 3. Whistonâs Newtonian argument from prophecy; divine providence; and the criticism of Anthony Collins; 4. Whistonâs Newtonian biblical interpretation and the rage of party, radical Arianism, and millennial expectations; 5. Deism and divine providence in Whiston and Newton; Notes; Index.