Utilitarianism in the Age of Enlightenment

Utilitarianism in the Age of Enlightenment by Niall O'flaherty

This is the first book-length study of one of the most influential traditions in eighteenth-century Anglophone moral and political thought, 'theological utilitarianism'. Niall O'Flaherty charts its development from its formulation by Anglican disciples of Locke in the 1730s to its culmination in William Paley's work. Few works of moral and political thought had such a profound impact on political discourse as Paley's Principles of Moral and Political Philosophy (1785). His arguments were at the forefront of debates about the constitution, the judicial system, slavery and poverty. By placing Paley's moral thought in the context of theological debate, this book establishes his genuine commitment to a worldly theology and to a programme of human advancement. It thus raises serious doubts about histories which treat the Enlightenment as an entirely secular enterprise, as well as those which see English thought as being markedly out of step with wider European intellectual developments.

'… an impressive and enriching work' Gregory Conti, The Review of Politics

Niall O' Flaherty is a Lecturer in the History of European Political Thought at King's College London. His research focuses on eighteenth- and nineteenth-century moral, political and religious thought in Britain. He has published articles on William Paley and Thomas Robert Malthus, and is currently writing a book entitled Malthus and the Discovery of Poverty (forthcoming).

SKU	Unavailable
ISBN 13	9781108474474
ISBN 10	1108474470
Title	Utilitarianism in the Age of Enlightenment
Author	Niall O'flaherty
Series	Ideas In Context
Condition	Unavailable
Binding Type	Hardback
Publisher	Cambridge University Press
Year published	2018-12-20
Number of pages	360
Cover note	Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.
Note	Unavailable