Richard Cumberland and Natural law: Secularisation of Thought in Seventeenth-Century England

Richard Cumberland was an English polymath, critic, and antagonist of Thomas Hobbes. His magnum opus, De Legibus Naturae, is considered one of the greatest works of natural philosophy and ethics of his time. This book outlines Cumberland's philosophical contributions and situates him in his intellectual and historical context. It also includes a chapter on the various editions of his masterwork and the praise it received from his contemporaries.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 144 pages
Publication date: 26 May 2022
Publisher: James Clarke & Co Ltd

Richard Cumberland, a prominent figure in the seventeenth century, emerges as a multifaceted scholar in this comprehensive biographical sketch. A critic and antagonist of Thomas Hobbes, a proto-Utilitarian and a man of the cloth, Cumberland's contributions often go unnoticed, overshadowed by the likes of John Bramhall and John Wallis. However, his magnum opus, De Legibus Naturae (On Natural Laws), stands as a testament to his profound understanding of natural philosophy and ethics. In this work, Kirk meticulously outlines Cumberland's significant philosophical ideas, placing him within the intellectual and historical context of his time. She delves into his life, his role as Bishop of Peterborough, and his pioneering contributions to natural law theory. Additionally, Kirk provides a chapter on the various editions of Cumberland's masterwork and the praise it received from his contemporaries.

Richard Cumberland and Natural Law remains the preeminent source of biographical information about Cumberland, while also serving as a comprehensive exploration of his theories. Through its detailed account, this work sheds light on the lesser-known aspects of Cumberland's life and intellectual journey, highlighting his profound contributions to the fields of natural philosophy and ethics.

ISBN-13: 9780227176788