The reception of Newton’s writings on religion in Continental Europe, c. 1690- c. 1800

Conférence en anglais par Scott Mandelbrote (Cambridge University - chercheur éminent en histoire des sciences, spécialiste de Isaac Newton).
Répondante : Raphaële ANDRAULT
Powerpoint en français

Présentation

Isaac Newton (1642-1727) published little on religion during his lifetime, but after his death a number of works circulated under his name, treating topics in historical (including biblical) chronology, the interpretation of the prophecies of Daniel and Revelation, and the textual integrity of the New Testament. In addition, Newton rapidly acquired a reputation as a natural theologian par excellence. This paper considers the translation and circulation history of these works in the long eighteenth century and the controversies that they generated in Continental Europe. It attempts to understand their importance for the reputation as the pre-eminent Enlightenment philosopher of nature that Newton acquired during this period.