Samuel Clarke

Samuel Clarke (11 October 1675 – 17 May 1729) was an English philosopher and Anglican priest. He is considered one of the most important British thinkers between John Locke and George Berkeley. Clarke worked hard to explain big ideas about the universe and morality in a way that many people could understand.

Clarke was also known for changing the 1662 Book of Common Prayer in a way that did not follow traditional Christian beliefs about the Trinity. This version he made continues to be important today for Unitarians, a group that values individual thinking and reason in their religious practices.

His work helped shape how people thought about science, religion, and ethics during his time, and his ideas still influence discussions about these topics even today.

Early life and studies

Samuel Clarke was born in Norwich, the son of Edward Clarke, an alderman of Norwich and Member of Parliament, and brother of John Clarke. He studied at Norwich School and Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge. His tutor at Caius was John Ellis, a friend of Isaac Newton, but taught in the style of Cartesianism.

Clarke later adopted Newton's ideas. In 1697, he published a textbook comparing physics ideas, and that same year he met William Whiston, a follower of Newton. Clarke became a chaplain and served in several churches, eventually connecting him with Newton himself.

Boyle Lectures (1704)

Samuel Clarke served as a Boyle lecturer for two years, producing influential books. During this time, he focused on proving the existence of God and explaining moral principles. His work sparked important debates among thinkers of his time.

Clarke argued that certain truths about God could be understood by observing the world around us. He believed that the order and beauty we see show signs of a wise and powerful creator. His ideas influenced many discussions about religion and philosophy throughout the rest of the century.

Correspondence with Anthony Collins

Samuel Clarke had an important public debate with Anthony Collins in 1707 and 1708 about what it means to be conscious, or aware. Collins believed that our thoughts and feelings come from the brain, like how a machine works. Clarke disagreed, arguing that our mind and thoughts are separate from our physical bodies.

Their discussion started from a bigger question about whether the soul lives forever. Clarke wrote a book in 1706 answering someone named Henry Dodwell, and Collins replied to defend Dodwell’s ideas. Their letters and answers grew into a long and thoughtful exchange about the nature of the mind, free will, and what makes each of us who we are.

Nontrinitarianism

Samuel Clarke studied the Bible in its original languages and wrote about his beliefs regarding the Trinity, a central idea in Christian doctrine. In 1712, he published a book called The Scripture Doctrine of the Trinity, where he shared his views that differed from traditional teachings. His ideas were seen as unorthodox and caused debate within the Church of England.

Clarke believed in what was called "moderate Arianism," which meant he did not agree with the standard view of the Trinity. Over time, he even changed his personal copy of a important religious book, the Book of Common Prayer, to remove parts that did not match his beliefs. Though he did not publish these changes, they later influenced others who also wanted to change religious texts to match their own views.

Correspondence with Leibniz

Main article: Leibniz-Clarke correspondence

In 1715 and 1716, Samuel Clarke had an important discussion with Gottfried Leibniz about the ideas of nature and religion. Their conversation was stopped because Leibniz passed away, but the letters they exchanged were later published in 1717.

Later life and death

In 1719, Samuel Clarke became the master of Wigston's hospital in Leicester, thanks to Nicholas Lechmere, 1st Baron Lechmere. Later, in 1727, after Sir Isaac Newton passed away, Clarke was offered a well-paying job as Master of the Mint, but he decided not to take it.

Clarke became ill suddenly on May 11, 1729, while preparing to preach. He passed away the following Saturday in London, and his funeral took place on Thursday, May 22, at St James's.

Works

Samuel Clarke wrote and translated many important books. He translated the work of a French scientist named Jacques Rohault into Latin and also translated Newton’s book Opticks into Latin. Clarke also worked on translations of ancient texts, including parts of Homer’s Iliad.

Clarke wrote essays and sermons about religion and published paraphrases of the Gospels. After his death, his brother shared more of his writings, including an explanation of the Church Catechism and many sermons.

Moral views

Samuel Clarke believed that right and wrong actions are as clear and fixed as the laws of nature. He thought that just like numbers and shapes fit together in math, good actions fit naturally with our will. Clarke said God created this "fitness" for actions, just like natural laws.

Many philosophers disagreed with Clarke's ideas, but others supported them. His views were part of a big discussion among thinkers about how we know what is right or wrong.

Influence

Samuel Clarke influenced many Enlightenment thinkers, including Lord Monboddo. He also wrote notes about the Book of Common Prayer, which later helped shape Theophilus Lindsey’s updated version of the prayer book in 1774 and other important religious writings.

Family

Samuel Clarke married his first cousin Katherine Lockwood, the daughter of the Rev. Mr. Lockwood, in 1700. They had seven children together, but only five survived him. Clarke's son Samuel, born around 1710, died without any children in 1778.

Writings

Samuel Clarke wrote many important books and letters about philosophy and religion. Two of his well-known works are A Demonstration of the Being and Attributes of God: and Other Writings, and the Correspondence between him and G. W. Leibniz. These writings help us understand his ideas about God and the universe.