Date of Award
2016
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Department
History
Committee Chair
Andrei Gandila
Committee Member
Christine Sears
Committee Member
Stephen Waring
Subject(s)
Isaac Newton--1642-1727, Science--History, Religion and science--History
Abstract
For several decades, scholars have argued about the relationship between Isaac Newton’s works in science (or natural philosophy), “chymistry,” religion, and theology. Of particular interest has been how his natural philosophy and religion/theology related to each other. Some scholars claim a significant connection between them, even claiming they are part of a “seamless unity” in Newton’s thinking. Other, more skeptical, scholars call for a localized approach to his writings. By entering into this debate and analyzing many of Newton’s manuscripts, I argue that Newton held onto significant disciplinary distinctions in his writings, but also was willing to make small connections between his natural philosophy, religion/theology, and “chymistry” on matters that largely related to his study of nature. While Newton may have had a unified vision in his mind, the manuscripts do not necessarily show this, and instead provide a strong case for Newton largely separating his works.
Recommended Citation
Riddle, Joshua, "Philosophizing about God and nature : connections and divisions in the writings of Isaac Newton" (2016). Theses. 185.
https://louis.uah.edu/uah-theses/185