First published in 1802, "Natural Theology" was written in defense of the teleological argument. His opening statement sets this stage by supposing that if he found a watch upon the ground, then examined its parts, he would necessarily conclude that it was designed for a purpose. His watchmaker analogy is still a favorite of many as a starting point for showing that such complexity cannot possibly have come into existence without an intelligent mind creating it.

"Natural Theology" attempts to show that recognizing marks of design and intelligence in nature is not begging the question, but...

William Paley's classic defense of Christianity, "Evidences of Christianity," was sometimes required reading at universities throughout the 1800s. Even those who disputed Christianity were expected to interact with Paley's arguments. Ironically, while many people past and present believe that the evidence for Christianity is discredited, Paley's "Evidences" is as fresh as ever, because many people still find his arguments as compelling as ever. In fact, it could be said that the fact that Christianity's defenses do not need to be updated every century is testimony to the fact that it is in...

A major philosophical mind in his day, William Paley (1743 1805) wrote in a lucid style that made complex ideas more accessible to a wide readership. This work, first published in 1785, was based on the lectures he gave on moral philosophy at Christ's College, Cambridge. Cited in parliamentary debates and remaining on the syllabus at Cambridge into the twentieth century, it stands as one of the most influential texts to emerge from the Enlightenment period in Britain. An orthodox theologian, grounding his utilitarian ethics in strong religious faith, Paley held notably progressive views on...

Paley's work, and -Natural Theology: or Evidences of the Existence and Attributes of the Deity- in particular, is admired for its rigorous and logical treatment of evidence. He examines the natural world: plants, animals, the human anatomy and the heavens, and from the intricate details he deduces the existence of a benevolent deity, primarily by the now famous watchmaker argument. Though most remembered for -Natural Theology-, Paley received numerous ecclesiastical honors, including a stall in St. Paul's Cathedral, for his earlier work -Evidences of Christianity.-

"Evidences of Christianity" from William Paley. English clergyman, Christian apologist, philosopher, and utilitarian (1743-1805).

Sermons on Several Subjects by William Paley. This book is a reproduction of the original book published in 1818 and may have some imperfections such as marks or hand-written notes.