The rhetorical strategy of William Paley’s Natural theology (1802): Part 1, William Paley’s Natural theology in context

O’Flaherty, Niall

doi:10.1016/j.shpsa.2009.12.004

Cited by 20 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 10 publications

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“…Nevertheless, despite its references to recent schools of thought, its main purpose was to establish the wisdom of the Deity while depicting the Creator as a hands-on mechanic. 7 That Paley would feel this way was not unexpected. 12 Bell was enrolled at Edinburgh University and was apprenticed for training in anatomy and surgery to his surgeon brother, John Bell (1763-1820).…”

Section: Natural Theologymentioning

confidence: 98%

Charles Bell (1774–1842) and Natural Theology

Hughes

Gardner‐Thorpe

2018

J Med Biogr

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Sir Charles Bell, a 19th century surgeon, anatomist and artist, was heavily influenced by the religious practice of Natural Theology, a belief which implied that the world is created by an Intelligent Designer. In the 18th century, William Paley, later Rector of Bishop Wearmouth, wrote the seminal book about Natural Theology. Charles Bell who practised in London and Edinburgh used his artistic skills to underline his teaching of anatomy and surgery. Later, Bell wrote one of the eight Bridgewater Treatises on the Hand. Bell went on to illustrate the final edition of Paley's Natural Theology in which he demonstrated that proof of Design were to be found in the animal frame, reflecting his earlier work on art and human structure. It is concluded that Charles Bell and William Paley's ideals were in harmony with each other, holding the same belief about Creation. This paper argues that Bell's understanding and devotion to Natural Theology allowed him to accurately explain function, realism and expression in the human body, all revealing the direct influence of the Divine Creator.

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Section: Natural Theologymentioning

confidence: 98%