The Reception of Neptune’s Discovery in British and American Protestant Theology

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.4467/2543702XSHS.24.013.19586

Keywords:

discovery of Neptune, British and American Protestant theology, science and faith relationship, natural theology, history of astronomy

Abstract

The discovery of the planet Neptune in 1846, first theoretically and then observationally, was a 19th-century event that went beyond the interests of the narrow group of astronomers of the time. Indeed, the significance of this event is still a subject of interest among historians and philosophers of science. During the period discussed, natural theology played a special cognitive and social role, forming the basis for arguments based on the new knowledge of nature. This article discusses how the discovery of Neptune was received among the community of 19th-century British and American Protestant theologians, who were always open to scientific research and discoveries.

Author Biographies

Zenon Roskal, The John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin Faculty of Philosophy Department of Philosophy of Nature and Natural Sciences (Lublin Poland)

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Jacek Rodzeń, The Jan Kochanowski University Institute of History Department of History of the 19th Century (Kielce Poland)

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Published

11-09-2024

How to Cite

Roskal, Z., & Rodzeń, J. (2024). The Reception of Neptune’s Discovery in British and American Protestant Theology. Studia Historiae Scientiarum. https://doi.org/10.4467/2543702XSHS.24.013.19586

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SCIENCE BEYOND BORDERS