William Wollaston
Biography
William Wollaston (1659–1724) was an English philosopher and deist whose work The Religion of Nature Delineated (1722) was one of the most widely read philosophical treatises of the early eighteenth century. Educated at Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge, Wollaston inherited wealth that allowed him to devote his life to study. His philosophical system attempted to derive morality from reason and the nature of truth itself, arguing that moral evil consists in treating things contrary to what they really are. The book influenced deist thought and was read by Benjamin Franklin, among others.
Common themes in William Wollaston's work
Deism
A recurring theme throughout William Wollaston's writing.
Rational ethics
A recurring theme throughout William Wollaston's writing.
Enlightenment philosophy
A recurring theme throughout William Wollaston's writing.
Natural religion
A recurring theme throughout William Wollaston's writing.
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Why William Wollaston is still read today
Wollaston’s rational approach to ethics and religion influenced Enlightenment deism and early American freethought. His work offers insight into eighteenth-century attempts to ground morality in reason rather than revelation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was William Wollaston?
William Wollaston was an English philosopher whose work on natural religion influenced Enlightenment thought. Read his works free on TextStack.
What is The Religion of Nature Delineated about?
An attempt to derive moral principles from reason and the nature of truth, without relying on revealed religion.
Who was influenced by Wollaston?
Benjamin Franklin read and engaged with his work, and he influenced deist thought throughout the eighteenth century.
Where can I read Wollaston online?
TextStack offers The Religion of Nature Delineated free to read online.
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