Joseph Butler 1692 – 1752
Joseph Butler (1692 – 1752) was an English philosopher of the Modern era, associated with Enlightenment and Christian Philosophy.
Joseph Butler was an English Anglican bishop and one of the most important moral philosophers of the eighteenth century. His Fifteen Sermons preached at the Rolls Chapel developed a powerful account of human nature, in which self-love, particular passions, and conscience are arranged as a hierarchy whose proper exercise constitutes the virtuous life. The Analogy of Religion defended natural and revealed religion against deist objections by arguing that the same difficulties beset both natural knowledge and natural theology. His thought shaped Hume, Kant, Sidgwick, and the broader history of British moral philosophy.
Key facts
- Nationality
- English
- Era
- Modern
- Movements
- Enlightenment, Christian Philosophy
Selected quotes
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Attributed to Joseph Butler:
“Things and actions are what they are, and the consequences of them will be what they will be: why then should we desire to be deceived?”
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Attributed to Joseph Butler:
“Probability is the very guide of life.”
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Attributed to Joseph Butler:
“Every man is already in possession of conscience, the supreme principle within him.”
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Attributed to Joseph Butler:
“Self-love and benevolence are not at odds.”
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Attributed to Joseph Butler:
“Conscience is the supreme principle of human nature.”
Joseph Butler by topic
Frequently asked about Joseph Butler
- When did Joseph Butler live?
- Joseph Butler was born in 1692 and died in 1752.
- Where was Joseph Butler from?
- Joseph Butler was an English philosopher of the Modern era.
- What philosophical movements is Joseph Butler associated with?
- Joseph Butler was associated with Enlightenment and Christian Philosophy.
- What was Joseph Butler known for?
- Joseph Butler was an English Anglican bishop and one of the most important moral philosophers of the eighteenth century.
- How many quotes are attributed to Joseph Butler?
- There are 7 attributed quotations from Joseph Butler in the 1001Philosophers collection, organized by topic.