Science, methodology and religion in the work of Adam Sedgwick
Adam Sedgwick (1705-1873) was one of the leading geologists in the second quarter of the nineteenth century, and played a major part in establishing the geological column and applying it in the U.K. This thesis examines the metaphysical, religious and methodological presuppositions implicit in his approach to science. A prevailing view amongst historians (e.g. Cannon and Morrell) has seen Sedgwick as a 'liberal Anglican' and 'Broad Churchman'. This has been linked with a view connecting the vanguard of science in the period with liberal Anglicanism (e.g. in the BAAS), and seeing both Tractarians and to a large extent Evangelicals as a ' threat ' to it. This thesis presents evidence showing the inadequacy of the 'Broad Church' concept, and that Sedgwick is himself closer to an Evangelical position than has been imagined. It shows that his presuppositions about the nature of science and its relationship with religion were close to those of Scottish Evangelicals like Chalmers and Miller, and not dissimilar from the leading moderate Anglican Evangelicals who would have associated with the Christian Observer. The influence of Coleridgesm liberalism was small. Sedgwick also contributed to the development of Natural
Marston, V. Paul
History
Science, methodology and religion in the work of Adam Sedgwick. Adam Sedgwick (1705-1873) was one of the leading geologists in the second quarter of the nineteenth century, and played a major part in establishing the geological column and applying it in the U.K. This thesis examines the metaphysical, religious and methodological presuppositions implicit in his approach to science. A prevailing view amongst historians (e.g. Cannon and Morrell) has seen Sedgwick as a 'liberal Anglican' and 'Broad Churchman'. This has been linked with a view connecting the vanguard of science in the period with liberal Anglicanism (e.g. in the BAAS), and seeing both Tractarians and to a large extent Evangelicals as a ' threat ' to it. This thesis presents evidence showing the inadequacy of the 'Broad Church' concept, and that Sedgwick is himself closer to an Evangelical position than has been imagined. It shows that his presuppositions about the nature of science and its relationship with religion were close to those of Scottish Evangelicals like Chalmers and Miller, and not dissimilar from the leading moderate Anglican Evangelicals who would have associated with the Christian Observer. The influence of Coleridgesm liberalism was small. Sedgwick also contributed to the development of Natural
science religion work lead geologist play_major part establish geological column apply examines metaphysical religious methodological presupposition implicit science prevail_view amongst historian see liberal anglican churchman link view connect science period liberal anglicanism see large_extent evangelicals threat present_evidence show inadequacy broad church concept closer evangelical position imagine show presupposition nature science relationship religion close scottish evangelicals like miller dissimilar lead moderate anglican evangelicals would associate christian observer influence liberalism small also_contribute development natural