What did Thomas Paley believe about Christianity?

Paley, an orthodox Anglican and conservative moral and political thinker in the eighteenth century, published The Principles of Moral and Political Philosophy in 1785. In A View of the Evidences of Christianity (1794), Paley, the philosopher-natural theologian, argued for the truth of Christianity based on his understanding of historical evidence.

What is Paley’s argument for the existence of God?

Paley supplemented human reason with divine revelation as supporting foundations for the existence of God and miracles against deistic thinkers of his time, addressing some his arguments specifically against David Hume.

What is the significance of Paley’s portrait?

Paley’s significance continued throughout the nineteenth century as his book A View of the Evidences of Christianity was required reading for students at the University of Cambridge. At Christ’s College, Paley’s portrait hangs alongside John Milton and Charles Darwin (see below), all of whom graduated from the College.

Does Paley mention William Carey or the Serampore Mission?

Though Paley did not mention William Carey or the Serampore mission by name, he does appeal to the Christian missionary success in India ( Page 362 and Page 363 ) as supporting evidence for Christianity’s validity. (Philadelphia: J. J. Woodward, 1836).

What was the significance of Paley’s book?

Paley’s significance continued throughout the nineteenth century as his book A View of the Evidences of Christianity was required reading for students at the University of Cambridge. At Christ’s College, Paley’s portrait hangs alongside John Milton and Charles Darwin (see below), all of whom graduated from the College.

What is the teleological argument of Paley?

A prolific author of numerous books, sermons, and essays, Paley is remembered today primarily for classical formulation of the teleological argument for the existence of God. Found at the beginning of his Natural Theology (1802), the teleological argument has become the basis for much subsequent philosophical discussion and critique of the issue …

What does Paley say about the analogy of a watchmaker?

Arguing from the analogy of a watch and watchmaker, Paley suggested that the analogy offered evidence that the universe includes order and design, hence a Designer. In this opening and most famous paragraph, he says,

Did William Paley mention William Carey?

Though Paley did not mention William Carey or the Serampore mission by name, he does appeal to the Christian missionary success in India ( Page 362 and Page 363 ) as supporting evidence for Christianity’s validity. The Works of William Paley, D.D., Archdeacon of Carlisle. A View of the Evidences of Christianity.

Where did Charles Darwin study theology?

Preparing to become a clergyman, Darwin studied theology at Christ’s College , University of Cambridge , from 1828-1830. During his last year at Cambridge, Darwin studied geology, graduating in 1831. In The Autobiography of Charles Darwin From The Life and Letters of Charles Darwin Edited by his Son Francis Darwin, …

Who was the Anglican philosopher who argued for the truth of Christianity?

Paley , an orthodox Anglican and conservative moral and political thinker in the eighteenth century, published The Principles of Moral and Political Philosophy in 1785. In A View of the Evidences of Christianity (1794), Paley , the philosopher-natural theologian, argued for the truth of Christianity based on his understanding of historical evidence.

Who was William Paley?

Born in Peterborough, Northamptonshire, England, William Paley (1743-1805) was a leading Anglican voice in eighteenth and nineteenth century Britain. Graduating from Christ’s College , University of Cambridge , in 1763, Paley became a tutor at the College in 1766, teaching moral philosophy, divinity, and Greek Testament. Later, he served numerous parishes, becoming Archdeacon of Carlisle and Canon of St. Paul’s. Paley’s significance continued throughout the nineteenth century as his book A View of the Evidences of Christianity was required reading for students at the University of Cambridge. At Christ’s College, Paley’s portrait hangs alongside John Milton and Charles Darwin (see below), all of whom graduated from the College.

Overview

William Paley’s A View of the Evidences of Christianity (1794) stands both…

Overview

William Paley’s A View of the Evidences of Christianity (1794) stands both chronologically and conceptually between his two better-known works, The Principles of Moral and Political Philosophy (1785) and Natural Theology: Or, Evidences of the Existence and Attributes of the Deity (1802).

Christian Themes

Although Paley was far from an original thinker, his three major works were extremely influential in shaping mainstream English thought in the nineteenth century. A View of the Evidences of Christianity was required reading for all Cambridge University undergraduates from 1822 to 1920.

Sources for Further Study

LeMahieu, Dan L. The Mind of William Paley: A Philosopher and His Age. Lincoln: University of Nebraska Press, 1976. A comprehensive biography covering the genesis and content of Paley’s major works; good chapter on Paley’s impact in the nineteenth century.