Science and Religion in British Philosophy: The Case of the Plurality of Worlds

This chapter will summarize thePlurality of worlds interaction between science and religious thought from the late seventeenth century until the early nineteenth century, the period sometimes called “the long eighteenth century”. It will analyse the texts of Cambridge Platonists, Joseph Butler, Thomas Reid[aut]Reid, Thomas and Thomas Chalmers[aut]Chalmers, Thomas who were all cerebrated British philosophers and clergymen at the same time and will describe how the development of science has been interpreted within religious context, As far as the observation of this chapter upon British philosophy in the long eighteenth century is concerned, religion was no longer the final judge of knowledge. However, it was still powerful enough to be relied upon by other intellectual activities including science when they looked for the support of the public. Science and religion were in cohabitation in the period, and it is undeniable that the growing popularity of science enhanced the interest of the public toward technology and invention, thus contributed to the industrialization of the society. The same relationship can be observed between secular ethics, economic ethics and religion in the age.