An Examination of President Edwards' Inquiry into the Freedom of the Will By: Albert Taylor Bledsoe (1809-1877)
Albert Taylor Bledsoe's "An Examination of President Edwards' Inquiry into the Freedom of the Will" presents a comprehensive critique of Jonathan Edwards' influential work on the freedom of the will. Bledsoe argues against Edwards' position, providing a compelling alternative perspective on this fundamental philosophical question. Throughout the book, Bledsoe meticulously dissects Edwards' arguments, systematically pointing out the flaws and inconsistencies he perceives. He adeptly challenges Edwards' notion that human freedom is incompatible with divine sovereignty, thoroughly reconstructing the opposing view. Bledsoe's approach is highly analytical and his arguments are supported by extensive research, enhancing the scholarly nature of the text. One of the key strengths of Bledsoe's work is his ability to clearly articulate complex philosophical ideas. He breaks down abstract concepts, making them accessible to a wide range of readers. Bledsoe's clarity in explaining intricate philosophical concepts is commendable and adds to the overall readability of the book. Moreover, Bledsoe's writing is characterized by a balanced tone, demonstrating his respect for Edwards' arguments while highlighting their limitations. He avoids inflammatory language, ensuring a fair and objective evaluation of both sides. This measured approach allows readers to engage in thoughtful analysis, free from any preconceived biases. Another commendable aspect of Bledsoe's examination is his extensive engagement with various theological and philosophical sources. He supports his arguments with references to both contemporary thinkers and historical scholars, bolstering the credibility of his claims. This broad range of sources enriches the reader's understanding of the topic and contributes to the intellectual depth of the book. However, one potential limitation of Bledsoe's work is its highly specialized nature. This book is primarily intended for those deeply interested in the subject of free will, and readers without prior knowledge may find it challenging to fully grasp its content. Nevertheless, Bledsoe's lucid writing and systematic approach go a long way in mitigating this potential drawback. In conclusion, Albert Taylor Bledsoe's "An Examination of President Edwards' Inquiry into the Freedom of the Will" is an intellectually rigorous and thought-provoking critique of Jonathan Edwards' famous work. Bledsoe's ability to dissect complex philosophical arguments and present alternative perspectives makes this book a valuable resource for scholars and readers seeking a nuanced exploration of the nature of free will. First Page: EXAMINATION OF EDWARDS ON THE WILL. AN EXAMINATION OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS' INQUIRY INTO THE FREEDOM OF THE WILL. BY ALBERT TAYLOR BLEDSOE. "Man, as the minister and interpreter of nature, does and understands as much as his observations on the order of nature, either with regard to things or the mind, permit him, and neither knows more, nor is capable of more." Novum Organum . PHILADELPHIA: H. HOOKER, 16 SOUTH SEVENTH STREET. 1845. ENTERED, according to act of Congress, in the year 1845, by H. HOOKER, in the clerk's office of the District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. King & Baird, Printers, 9 George St. TO THE REV. WILLIAM SPARROW, D. D. AS A TOKEN OF ADMIRATION FOR HIS GENIUS, AND AFFECTIONATE REGARD FOR HIS VIRTUES, This little Volume IS RESPECTFULLY INSCRIBED, BY THE AUTHOR. CONTENTS. INTRODUCTORY REMARKS SECTION I. OF THE POINT IN CONTROVERSY SECTION II. OF EDWARDS' USE OF THE TERM CAUSE SECTION III. THE INQUIRY INVOLVED IN A VICIOUS CIRCLE SECTION IV. VOLITION NOT AN EFFECT SECTION V. OF THE CONSEQUENCES OF REGARDING VOLITION AS AN EFFECT SECTION VI. OF THE MAXIM THAT EVERY EFFECT MUST HAVE A CAUSE SECTION VII... Continue reading book >>

An Examination of President Edwards' Inquiry into the Freedom of the Will By: Albert Taylor Bledsoe (1809-1877)

Albert Taylor Bledsoe's "An Examination of President Edwards' Inquiry into the Freedom of the Will" presents a comprehensive critique of Jonathan Edwards' influential work on the freedom of the will. Bledsoe argues against Edwards' position, providing a compelling alternative perspective on this fundamental philosophical question.

Throughout the book, Bledsoe meticulously dissects Edwards' arguments, systematically pointing out the flaws and inconsistencies he perceives. He adeptly challenges Edwards' notion that human freedom is incompatible with divine sovereignty, thoroughly reconstructing the opposing view. Bledsoe's approach is highly analytical and his arguments are supported by extensive research, enhancing the scholarly nature of the text.

One of the key strengths of Bledsoe's work is his ability to clearly articulate complex philosophical ideas. He breaks down abstract concepts, making them accessible to a wide range of readers. Bledsoe's clarity in explaining intricate philosophical concepts is commendable and adds to the overall readability of the book.

Moreover, Bledsoe's writing is characterized by a balanced tone, demonstrating his respect for Edwards' arguments while highlighting their limitations. He avoids inflammatory language, ensuring a fair and objective evaluation of both sides. This measured approach allows readers to engage in thoughtful analysis, free from any preconceived biases.

Another commendable aspect of Bledsoe's examination is his extensive engagement with various theological and philosophical sources. He supports his arguments with references to both contemporary thinkers and historical scholars, bolstering the credibility of his claims. This broad range of sources enriches the reader's understanding of the topic and contributes to the intellectual depth of the book.

However, one potential limitation of Bledsoe's work is its highly specialized nature. This book is primarily intended for those deeply interested in the subject of free will, and readers without prior knowledge may find it challenging to fully grasp its content. Nevertheless, Bledsoe's lucid writing and systematic approach go a long way in mitigating this potential drawback.

In conclusion, Albert Taylor Bledsoe's "An Examination of President Edwards' Inquiry into the Freedom of the Will" is an intellectually rigorous and thought-provoking critique of Jonathan Edwards' famous work. Bledsoe's ability to dissect complex philosophical arguments and present alternative perspectives makes this book a valuable resource for scholars and readers seeking a nuanced exploration of the nature of free will.

First Page:

EXAMINATION

EDWARDS ON THE WILL.

AN EXAMINATION

PRESIDENT EDWARDS' INQUIRY

INTO THE

FREEDOM OF THE WILL.

ALBERT TAYLOR BLEDSOE.

"Man, as the minister and interpreter of nature, does and understands as much as his observations on the order of nature, either with regard to things or the mind, permit him, and neither knows more, nor is capable of more." Novum Organum .

PHILADELPHIA:

H. HOOKER, 16 SOUTH SEVENTH STREET.

1845.

ENTERED, according to act of Congress, in the year 1845, by H. HOOKER, in the clerk's office of the District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.

King & Baird, Printers, 9 George St.

THE REV. WILLIAM SPARROW, D. D.

AS A TOKEN

OF ADMIRATION FOR HIS GENIUS,

AND

AFFECTIONATE REGARD FOR HIS VIRTUES,

This little Volume

IS RESPECTFULLY INSCRIBED,

BY THE AUTHOR.

CONTENTS.

INTRODUCTORY REMARKS

SECTION I. OF THE POINT IN CONTROVERSY

SECTION II. OF EDWARDS' USE OF THE TERM CAUSE

SECTION III. THE INQUIRY INVOLVED IN A VICIOUS CIRCLE

SECTION IV. VOLITION NOT AN EFFECT

SECTION V. OF THE CONSEQUENCES OF REGARDING VOLITION AS AN EFFECT

SECTION VI. OF THE MAXIM THAT EVERY EFFECT MUST HAVE A CAUSE

SECTION VII... Continue reading book >>

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