41

Samuel Clarke (1675-1729)

A Collection of Papers which passed between the late Learned Mr. Leibnitz and Dr. Clarke.

London: Printed for James Knapton, 1717.
First edition, octavo, two parts in one volume; text in French and English on facing pages; a nicely preserved copy in full contemporary English paneled and speckled calf, tooled in blind; (rebacked; some minor water staining); 7 1/2 x 4 3/4 in.

ESTC T113561.

"In 1715 a series of written exchanges began between the eminent, highly original German philosopher Gottfried Leibniz and the brilliant British theologian Samuel Clarke. Halted by Leibniz's death in 1716, the series was edited and published by Clarke in 1717. The occasion for the exchange was Leibniz's remark in a letter to Caroline, Princess of Wales, that Newtonian physics had contributed to the decline of natural religion in England. Since Clarke, a learned theologian and philosopher, was both closely associated with Newton and had been personally acquainted with the Stuart royalty through serving as chaplain to Queen Anne, he took up the defense of both natural religion in England and Newtonian views of absolute space and time. In the process of their discussions a deep divergence emerged in their respective views of freedom, both human and divine." (Quoted from  William L. Rowe's Can God Be Free? Oxford, 2004.)

  • Notes: Ex libris Professor, Astronomer, Historian & Bibliophile Owen Gingerich.
  • Condition: A-Z8, Aa-Dd8, Aaa-Ccc8.

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