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Natural Theology (Oxford World's Classics)

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This Oxford World's Classics edition of William Paley's (1743-1805) most famous work is a handy way to become acquainted with the theory of Natural Theology that played such a major role in Victorian intellectual circles--at least until Darwin published his "Origin of the Species" in 1859. This edition reproduces the text of the first edition published in 1802. Equally important, it contains a highly helpful introduction by editors Matthew D. Eddy and David Knight which places the book within the context of Victorian thought prior to Darwin. "Natural Theology is the practice of inferring the existence and wisdom of God from the order and beauty of the world," write the editors. Its most familiar version is Deism (or belief in a remote creator), which combines Newton's concept of physical laws with the idea of a clock--God creates the clock but allows it to function on its own. The editors explain the history of this idea prior to Paley, and how given the scepticism of individuals like Gibbon, Hume, Diderot and Voltaire, Natural Theology was pressed into service to fight off what were seen as attacks on Christianity. Paley's work was tremendously popular and read well into the 18th century. God is seen as benevolent and concerned with ensuring the happiness of the human race, such as by creating "pleasure" for example. Robert Chambers "Vestiges," the Bridgewater Treatises, and other key examples of Victorian grappling with these issues is discussed, and the stage is set for Darwin who wrote "Origins" 50 years or so after Paley's death (but had read him). In addition to this fine introduction, this edition contains a bibliography, chronology, and suggestions for further reading. Particularly helpful are 48 pages of "Explanatory Notes" contributed by the editors which identify and explain key individuals, concepts, and books. Oh, and of course, Paley well anticipated the current intelligent design argument, which we learn even predates him. Is there anything new under the sun? I wonder.

The forward by Doy Moyer is excellent and will be essential reading for those interested in natural theology or even those involved on either side of the current "intelligent design" crusade. The "argument from design" came from the pagans and was taken up by some Christians a thousand years later. Then especially after Newton it had a very popular but contested history, which is nicely sketched and introduced by Moyer in relatively few pages considering the long history and conceptual difficulties with natural theology. To read the text without context for it (which Moyer does assist) and without understanding why over time natural theology was rejected (which Moyer does not go much into) would be quite naive. And yet this was an immensely influential book in its day and helped stimulate Darwin to think deeply about the misleading appearance of design in biological nature and dissect out fatal problems with these old ideas.

Ronald H. Clark, who reviewed this work before I did, was most eloquent and thorough in his summary. I will not attempt to recreate anything like it here but I will say that I endorse everything Mr. Clark said. In addition, this was a hugely important book, and very exciting, in that Paley was such an influential figure in Darwin's life. It was thrilling to be able to read one of the books that set Darwin to thinking about how humans came to be here (and how they did not come to be here). If you are a student of evolution, Natural Theology is a natural choice in reading material which will give you more insight into Darwin's mind, and the zeitgeist of the era in which he worked.

While out-of-date in some places, Paley's argument has stood the test of time. Logical and common sense replace the wishful thinking of evolutionary theory. A must for all in this field of study or debate.