Subject
Hamilton, William, Sir, 1788-1856 Books
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Jesse Henry Jones
Know the Truth: A Critique on the Hamiltonian Theory of Limitation Including Some Strictures Upon the Theories of Rev. Henry L. Mansel and Mr. Herbert Spencer
"Know the Truth: A Critique on the Hamiltonian Theory of Limitation" by Jesse H. Jones is a philosophical treatise written in the mid-19th century. This work serves as a critical examination of the Hamiltonian philosophical system, focusing on its limitations in addressing the relationship between faith, reason, and knowledge of the divine. The book aims to dismantle what the author perceives as dangerous errors inherent in this school of thought, emphasizing a personal and rational understanding of God. The opening of the book introduces the author's motivations for critiquing the Hamiltonian philosophy, describing it as a threat to Christian faith due to its perceived associations with Atheism. Jones articulates his belief that philosophical theology ultimately divides into two systems—Pantheism or Atheism versus pure Theism—and positions his arguments within this framework. He expresses gratitude to his mentors and gestures towards a foundational belief that human knowledge and faith must stem from reason. By framing the debate as one of recognizing the role of the Pure Reason, Jones sets the stage for delving deeply into metaphysical arguments as he aims to affirm the existence and attributes of God against the backdrop of 19th-century philosophical discourse.
Henry Longueville Mansel
The Philosophy of the Conditioned
"The Philosophy of the Conditioned" by Henry Longueville Mansel is a philosophical treatise written in the mid-19th century. The work focuses on examining the philosophical currents of the time, particularly critiquing the ideas of Sir William Hamilton and John Stuart Mill regarding the concepts of the conditioned and unconditioned. Mansel delves into the nature of consciousness, knowledge, and the limits of human understanding, engaging deeply with metaphysical concepts that relate to our perception of reality. The opening portion of the text introduces Mansel's motivation for writing, which stems from his reflections on a previous anonymous review of Hamilton’s philosophy that he felt required defense. He outlines the philosophical debate on conditioned and unconditioned existence, invoking Plato to discuss the aspirational journey of reason toward the unconditioned as a means of better understanding the nature of truth. Both the complexities of consciousness and the challenge of reconciling knowledge with the divine are addressed, setting the stage for a nuanced discussion on how humans engage with abstract principles and the implications for belief in a personal deity. The philosophical tensions established in the introduction suggest a foundational exploration of faith, reason, and their intersections with human cognition.
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