Born: Oct 1614 in Grantham, Lincolnshire, England
Died: 1 Sept 1687 in Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, England
Henry More's father was Alexander More who had been mayor of Grantham on several occasions. Alexander More was financially well off and able to give his son a top class education. Little is known of his childhood except for a few comments More makes himself in the Preface of his Collected Works. There he writes that he was brought up (see or):-
... parents ... who were great Calvinists (but withall very pious and good ones).
He was brought up to be always thinking of religion:-
... even in my earliest childhood, an inward sense of the Divine Presence was so strong upon my mind, that I did then believe, there could be no deed, word, or thought hidden from Him.
After attending Grantham Free School (the Grammar School), More was sent to Eton when he was fourteen years old. Here he came to change his religious views, rejecting Calvinism which had the notion of predestination as a metaphysical necessity and the basis of faith. More came to the belief, which he held strongly throughout his life, that salvation was possible though goodness. During this time his father had put his upbringing in the hands of an uncle who tried to prevent the young More from being so forward by flogging him to try to make him return to the Calvinist ideas about free-will. Flogging certainly did nothing to return More to Calvinism, perhaps it had just the opposite effect.
In 1631 More entered Christ's College Cambridge. He wrote of his experiences as an undergraduate (see or):-
[I plunged] over head and ears in the study of philosophy; promising a most wonderful happiness to myself in it. Aristotle, therefore, Cardan, Julius Scaliger and other philosophers of the greatest note I very diligently pursued. In which the truth is, that I met here and there with some things wittily and acutely and sometimes also solidly spoken: yet the most seemed to me either false or uncertain, or else so obvious and trivial, that I look upon myself as having plainly lost my time in reading such authors. And to speak all in a word, those almost whole four years which I spent on studies of this kind ... ended in nothing, in a manner, but mere scepticism.
More graduated with a B.A. in 1636 and remained at Cambridge to continue his studies being elected a Fellow of Christ's College in 1639. He turned his philosophical studies towards Plato, the Platonists and the Neoplatonists becoming a member of the Cambridge Platonists.
Perhaps we should move towards the reason why More is included in an archive of mathematicians. He was a man of broad learning, and the ideas of experimental natural philosophy were to the fore due to those who would form the Royal Society. These ideas of experimental philosophy attracted More and he also became influenced by the writings of Descartes which:-
... seemed to show how to combine a scientific interest in nature with a primary concern for vindicating the reality of God and immortal human souls.
However, as he studied the mechanical philosophy of Descartes he became unhappy with it. More argued that Descartes' ideas must inevitably remove God from nature and so lead to atheism. During 1648 and 1649 More and Descartes corresponded about the mechanical philosophy and this correspondence was eventually published as The Immortality of the Soule (1659).
More argued that the motion of a body was an inherent property of that body, and that it was impossible for motion to be transferred from one body to another. This, of course, seems to contradict common sense for if a rolling ball strikes a ball which is at rest then the ball starts to move. More does not deny this fact which any simple experiment will verify, but he claimed that the motion of the second ball is from an internal property of its own, awakened by the impact of the first ball.
... I am the more inclined to this opinion, that there is absolutely no transfer of motions; but that a second body is as it were awakened into motion by the impact of the first body, as this or that event awakens the soul to reflection. And that the second body does not so much receive motion from the first, as put itself into motion at the bidding of the first.
Of course More's ideas here are totally fallacious but when he attacks Descartes' vortex theory planetary motion the he is on stronger ground:-
Why are not your vortices in the form of columns or cylinders rather than ellipses, since any point of the axis of a vortex is as it were a centre from which the celestial matter recedes with, as far as I can see, a wholly constant impetus? ... Who causes all the planets not to revolve in one plane (the plane of the ecliptic)? ... And the Moon itself, neither in the plane of the Earth's equator nor in a plane parallel to this?
More published Antidote Against Atheisme in 1652. In this work he argues that all areas of natural philosophy require a "Spirit of Nature". In particular he argued against the mechanical explanations of the spring and weight of the air as Boyle put forwards by Boyle shortly before. More wrote in a letter:-
I be not altogether satisfied that his paradoxical inferences from the experiments are true. There will be a Spirit of Nature for all of this ...
In all his arguments one would have to say that either More had not read the works of Galileo and Pascal, or that he had failed to understand their arguments. Certainly More puts forward arguments against the spring and weight of air which had already been answered by Pascal. More did not just use philosophical arguments against Boyle, however. He was a committed experimental scientist and he undertook a series of hydrostatic and pneumatic experiments to disprove Boyle's theory.
More may have been strongly opposed to Boyle's mechanical philosophy, but he was well disposed towards the experimental philosophy of those in the Royal Society. He was proposed for fellowship of the Royal Society by Wilkins on 4 June 1662 and elected on 17 September of that year. However, when the Society received its Charter from Charles II on 10 May 1663, More (and several others) were omitted from the list of Fellows. On 25 May 1664 Wilkins again proposed More for the fellowship and he was elected (for a second time) at the meeting one week later.
In 1670 More published Enchridion Metaphysicum. This work repeated More's objections to the mechanical philosophy of Boyle and several other members of the Royal Society. Of course there were deep problems which related to space and matter, action at a distance and the vacuum which scientists were struggling with at this time and More's views provided motivation to many scientists to clarify their own ideas and improve their arguments. Space was a particularly difficult concept and More essentially identifies it with God:-
I on the contrary when I have manifestly proved that the internal space is really distinct from matter, I conclude that it is for that reason a certain incorporeal substance or spirit, just as the Pythagoreans formerly thought. And so through that same gate through which the Cartesian philosophy seemed to intend to exclude God from the world, I on the contrary (and I am confident that success will be vouchsafed me) strive to reintroduce Him. And this infinite and immobile extension appears to be not only real but divine.
One other thing about Henry More which we should discuss is his relation to Newton. Newton was born close to Grantham and attended the Free School in Grantham. In fact he had lodgings in Grantham for seven years with a Mr Clark, the brother of a teacher at the Free School. More, who was about 30 years older than Newton, often returned to his home town of Grantham and when he did so he lived with one of the two Clark brothers. Therefore when More was a major figure at Cambridge he must have got to know the young pupil Newton. We certainly know that there was contact between Newton and More up till the time More was around 70 years of age.
Did More's ideas of space influence Newton? It is impossible to say with any certainty, but we can certainly note that Newton's idea of absolute space and time was crucial to his physics and that this notion of space is closely related to that put forward by More in his arguments against Descartes. Also in terms of gravity, for Descartes it was necessary to have an interaction through matter between the bodies. For Newton gravity was a force which acted through empty space and although he does not appear to have identified space with God as More did, nevertheless the spiritual aspect of space supported Newton's gravitational theories.
More never sought advancement within Cambridge, refusing to stand for positions such as Master. He was a modest man who felt that he did not have the necessary talents for such roles. He wrote :-
I have measured myself from the height to the depth; and what I can do, and what I ought to do, and I do it.
J J O'Connor and E F Robertson
Другие работы по теме:
The Little Business Man Essay Research Paper
The Little Business Man By Morley Callaghan In this story, The Little Business Man, by Morley Callaghan, we met several different characters. The most important characters, Luke and Uncle Henry, had several different values. Luke s values were care, protection and optimism, while his uncle s values were organization, insensibility, and efficiency.
King Henry IV And Joseph Strorm
: Archtypical Fathers Essay, Research Paper King Henry IV and Joseph Strorm: Archtypical Fathers An ideal father is one who is both caring and understanding. To fit this
Summary Of The Red Convertible Essay Research
Paper Often times, an inanimate object can be as important and sometimes more important than the characters of the story. In Louise Erdrich’s “The Red Convertible,” the car played an equally important role with that of the characters, but for different reasons.
Queen Elizabeth And Henry VIII Essay Research
Paper She took over the position of England’s leader when her father Henry VIII died. She didn’t care one way or the other what every ones religion was. So she made Anglican the national
Becket Essay Essay Research Paper
“Friendship often does collapse over such unjust ideas.” This quote alone illustrates the dissolution of friendship that occurs between Thomas Becket and Henry II in early English history. What would one think if a trusted friend turns on them and stabs them in the back? Certain situations in the lives of Thomas Becket and Henry II build up then dissolve their friendship.
Arch Bishop
– Becket Essay, Research Paper Before being named Arch Bishop, Becket found his pride in serving Henry and performing his duties as his Lord Chamberlain, all the while searching for his true honor and pride. He found them to be defending the honor of God and the Church after he became Arch Bishop.
Becket Essay Research Paper Summary of Becket
Becket Essay, Research Paper Summary of Becket by Jean Anouilh Becket is a movie that portrays the conflict of power between the throne and the church. It is the story of Henry II and his companion Thomas Becket. The movie begins by giving a brief summary of the history up to the point where the movie begins. This information is crucial to the understanding of the situation.
Henry Iv Essay Research Paper Henry IV
Henry Iv Essay, Research Paper Henry IV, A Look at a Machiavellian Ruler When looking at Henry IV while studying Niccolo Machiavelli’s The Prince, one can see that henry was extremely Machiavellian in his ways. The Prince, written by Machiavelli, was written to guide a ruler in the key concepts of being able to have a kingdom that endures and to obtain and control and power in order to succeed during his reign.
The Red Convertible Essay Research Paper In
The Red Convertible Essay, Research Paper In the Red Convertible by Louise Erdrich, the main character Henry loses his hold on reality. The story takes place in North Dakota on an Indian Reservation where Henry lives with his brother Lyman. Henry and Lyman buy a Red Convertible that later in the story illustrates Henry?s lack of ability to stay sane.
Henry Cabot Lodge Essay Research Paper Henry
Henry Cabot Lodge Essay, Research Paper Henry Cabot Lodge Henry Cabot Lodge was an American diplomat. He was born on July 5th 1902. He was born in Nahant Massachusetts. He did alot for our country so in the next few paragraphs I will tell you about Henry Cabot Lodge and some of his accomplishments.
A Battle Into Adulthood Red Badge
Essay, Research Paper A Battle for Adulthood Throughout the novel The Red Badge of Courage, written by Stephen Crane, a theme is portrayed within a battle that takes place during the Civil War. It is that each person must find the courage to win his or her won battle for maturity or adulthood. A soldier, who is also the main character, Henry Fleming, exemplifies this theme.
Henry VIII By William Shakespeare 15641616 Essay
, Research Paper From the start, this play seemed scourged. It closed after its debut because a fire burned down the theater where it was being performed. Critics have lambasted Henry VIII for its lack
Evolution Of A Soldier Essay Research Paper
Henry Becomes A Man In the book The Red Badge of Courage, Henry changes in many ways as a soldier. In the beginning of the story he is scared of battle and runs, yet by the end of the book he is a true soldier. Many important events shape Henry s evolution into a veteran soldier. Many of Henry s own glorified notions of war are what make him so wary and unsure of himself.
Red Badg Of Courage Essay Essay Research
Paper Henry Fleming was just a child when he entered the army. Even though his journey into manhood took a while, he finally got where he was headed . This journey included many people and things, that help Henry along the way.
Red Badge Of CourageHenry Fleming
’s Growth Essay, Research Paper Growing Up Throughout the novel The Red Badge of Courage, Henry Fleming is in a constant struggle between his illusions of war and reality. When Henry first decides to enlist their is a perception of war that he has in his mind; he later finds out that war is not as glorious and courageous as his mind had perceived.
Fighting On Two Fronts- Henry Fleming In
Red Badge Of Courage Essay, Research Paper “Fighting on Two Fronts”: Henry Fleming in Red Badge of Courage The Civil War forced many young boys out of childhood and into adulthood. Most of these young boys were not prepared for war, and Henry Fleming was one of these boys.
Henry David Thorea Essay Research Paper Henry
Henry David Thorea Essay, Research Paper Henry David Thoreau conducted an experiment, living simple, and peaceful in a small cabin that he built himself. The observations about nature, the importance of the individual, value of a simple life, and more relevant today, as environment abuses multiply, the pressure to consume increases, and the pace o life continues to speed up.
Innocence
& Experience Essay, Research Paper Innocence to Experience Innocence and experience helps to raise questions in the readers mind to expand the focus on the concepts by the author. Most people develop beliefs through many sources such as media, personal observations, experiences, friends, or teachers.
Henry Ford Essay Research Paper Option 1
Henry Ford Essay, Research Paper Option 1 The naming of the school is an important decision. Think about an important person for whom a new school should be named write to
Henry Ford Essay Research Paper Transportation has
Henry Ford Essay, Research Paper Transportation has become a major necessity in today’s society. Without the industrial revolution introducing the automobile, most people would find it very hard and frustrating to get around. Henry Ford had become a big part of starting this faster and safer “transportation era”.
Henry Foyal Essay Research Paper Henry Fayol
Henry Foyal Essay, Research Paper Henry Fayol’s Principal of management Fayol was a key figure in the turn-of-the-century Classical School of management theory. He saw a manager’s job as:
Expository Essay On A Farewell To Arms
Essay, Research Paper Ernest Hemmingway’s A Farewell to Arms, the protagonist, Frederic Henry is both dysfunctional and tragic. Throughout the story Henry lives up to this
Code Hero In A Farewell 2 Arms
Essay, Research Paper In Ernest Hemingway s A Farewell to Arms, Hemingway shows Frederick Henry s progression into a code hero. Frederick Henry achieved many code hero characteristics by
The Life Of Sir Thomas More Essay
, Research Paper The Life of Sir Thomas More Thomas More was born on February 7, 1478. His life is chronicled in historic writing. He was well schooled and very self-disciplined. His accomplishments throughout his life were, and still are, amazing. More was liked and respected by many.
Book Review A Farewell To Arms Essay
, Research Paper A Farewell to Arms is about Frederick Henry, an American second lieutenant in the Italian army who falls in love with an English volunteer nurse named Catherine Barkley during the first World War. After Henry is wounded, he is sent the hospital where Catherine is stationed. This where their love affair begins.
Luke Essay Research Paper Baldwins s Vow
Luke Essay, Research Paper Baldwins s Vow Luke Baldwin’s Vow is a story written by Morley Callaghan. It is a story about the vow Luke makes. In this essay I will tell you about the good and bad things that Luke goes through.
Civil Disobeiance Essay Research Paper Civil
Civil Disobeiance Essay, Research Paper Civil Disobedience Civil disobedience is the refusal to obey civil laws. This refusal is in the form of nonviolence. People who use civil disobedience are usually protesting a
Red Badge Of Courage Essay Essay Research
Paper Red Badge of Courage Stephen Crane’s literary technique has long been a matter of great interest, analysis, and speculation. In The Red Badge of Courage Crane takes us into the life of a young man named Henry Fleming, who wants to enlist in the United States Army and fight in the war against the South. By using irony, similes, and symbols, to name a few, Crane ”paints” a vivid picture of what life was like for the fragile Henry Fleming.
Characterization Of Uncle Henry Essay Research Paper
Characterization of Uncle Henry This characterization of Uncle Henry focuses on the two main ways that he is portrayed in “Luke Baldwin’s Vow.” These two ways are: what Morley Callaghan, the author, reveals through the narrator and what other characters say about Henry. In this short story, Henry is usual referred to as Uncle Henry because he is Luke’s uncle.
Fear Humility And Courage In Essay Research
Paper Fear, Humility, and Courage in The Red Badge of Courage In The Red Badge of Courage Henry Fleming, the main character grows up in a small town and signs up for the army against his mother will because he dreams of being a hero. Henry enlists in the 304th Regiment of New York Volunteers. However, after Henry joins the regiment he finds that his emotions are all mixed up.
Patrick Henry Fight Against The Constitution Essay
, Research Paper Although Henry refused to serve on the Constitutional Convention, Madison needed Henry’s persuasive ways. Henry had a way to make people agree with his ideas. Even though Henry didn’t serve on the Constitutional Convention, he was still present to put in his word. As soon as the meetings opened, Henry began to argue against the Constitution.
Henry Viii Essay Research Paper Henry VIII
Henry Viii Essay, Research Paper Henry VIII was king of England (1509-1547), and the founder of the church of England. He was the son of King Henry VII he influenced the character of the English monarchy.