Natural Theology (Oxford World's Classics) (Paperback)

~ (Author), Matthew D. Eddy (Editor), David Knight (Editor) "SUPPOSE, in the next place, that the person, who found the watch, should, after some time, discover, that, in addition to all the properties which..." (more)
Key Phrases: Keill's Anat, Goldsmith's Nat

Editorial Reviews

Review

This is an astonishing book, made all the more accessible by some excellent modern footnotes John Habgood, Church TImes

Product Description

In Natural Theology William Paley set out to prove the existence of God from the evidence of the beauty and order of the natural world. Famously beginning by comparing the world to a watch, whose design is self-evident, he goes on to provide examples from biology, anatomy, and astronomy in order to demonstrate the intricacy and ingenuity of design that could only come from a wise and benevolent deity.
This new edition, which coincides with the bicentennial of Paley's death, reprints the original text of 1802, which was very influential in its day, and still controversial in ours as we see a resurgence in the debate between"intelligent design" and "creationism." The introduction explains how the book built on the early modern natural theology tradition and why it was so influential. The book also contains two appendixes on Paley's courses, an extended bibliography, and full notes offering further background on the key figures of the day.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA (June 15, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0192805843
• ISBN-13: 978-0192805843
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.9 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #912,294 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Intelligent Design is not a Recent Invention, May 17, 2007

By	Ronald H. Clark (WASHINGTON, DC USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

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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.

18 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Classic of Science & Religion, May 1, 2005

By	Chad Arment (PA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Natural Theology (Paperback)

Paley's argument for a designer is relevant to any historical discussion on the origins debate. The Coachwhip Publications 2005 reprint edition (ISBN 1930585217) is inexpensive and contains an additional bibliography of more recent teleological arguments.

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Classic, Start Here, April 8, 2009

By	ancientexplorer (USA) - See all my reviews

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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.