The writers known as the English deists were not simply religious controversialists, but agents of reform who contributed to the emergence of modernity. The existing literature claims that these writers advocated a failed ideology which itself declined after 1730. Hudson, however, argues for an evolution of their ideas into a more modern form, one less indebted to classical antiquity and the Renaissance. He further claims that these writers promoted political, social and cultural reforms over a wide area. Indeed, so far from merely writing minor pamphlets, they provoked shifts of public philosophy and practice of European significance.
- ISBN10 1781441693
- ISBN13 9781781441695
- Publish Date 1 June 2009 (first published 1 January 2009)
- Publish Status Active
- Publish Country GB
- Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
- Imprint Pickering & Chatto (Publishers) Ltd
- Format eBook
- Pages 240
- Language English