The Philosophy of Anne Conway: God, Creation and the Nature of Time

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The early modern philosopher Anne Conway offers a remarkable synthesis of ideas from differing philosophical traditions that deserve our attention today. Exploring all of the major aspects of Conways thought, this book presents a valuable guide to her contribution to the history of philosophy. Through a close reading of her central text, Principles of the Most Ancient and Modern Philosophy (1690), it considers her intellectual context and addresses some of the outstanding interpretive issues concerning her philosophy. Contrasting her position with that of contemporaries such as Henry More, Franciscus Mercurius van Helmont and George Keith, it examines her critique of the prominent philosophical schools of the time, including Cartesian dualism and Hobbesian materialism. From her accounts of dualism, time and God to the often overlooked elements of her work such as her theory of freedom and salvation, The Philosophy of Anne Conway illuminates the ideas and legacy of an important early-modern woman philosopher.

Reviews

Scholars have long regarded Anne Conways Principles of the Most Ancient and Modern Philosophy (1690) as a work of great metaphysical subtlety and sophistication. Jonathan Heads wonderfully lucid study will improve our understanding of Conways text, enhance our appreciation of its origins, and enrich future scholarship on this remarkable philosopher. * Jacqueline Broad, Associate Professor of Philosophy, Monash University, Australia *
Jonathan Heads study of Anne Conways philosophy is welcome as the first to be written with non-specialists in mind. With a distinctive emphasis on Conways Quaker context, he provides an accessible introduction to Conways philosophy, which both elucidates important aspects of her philosophy and furnishes material for debate and discussion. * Sarah Hutton, Honorary Visiting Professor of Philosophy, University of York, UK *
Jonathan Heads The Philosophy of Anne Conway is a thoughtful introduction to the complicated philosophical system of this understudied philosopher, which will be a great help to those eager to teach her thought. * Christia Mercer, Gustave M. Berne Professor of Philosophy, Columbia University, USA *

Author Bio

Jonathan Head is Lecturer in Philosophy at Keele University, UK. He is co-editor of Schopenhauers Fourfold Root (2016), and has published papers on Anne Conway, Kant and Schopenhauer.