Faculty and Student Publications
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
6-1-2022
Abstract
In discussing the obligation to love everyone, Mary Astell (1666–1731) recognizes and responds to what I call the theocentric challenge: if humans are required to love God entirely, then they cannot fulfill the second requirement to love their neighbor. In exploring how Astell responds to this challenge, I argue that Astell is an astute metaphysician who does not endorse the metaphysical views she praises. This viewpoint helps us to understand the complicated relationship between her views and those of Descartes, Malebranche, Henry More, and John Norris, as well as her sophisticated approach to biblical interpretation and theology. Attending to theocentrism opens up new avenues of research in the study of early modern philosophy. It also helps us to see connections between Astell and other theocentric philosophers such as Spinoza and Anne Conway.
Relational Format
journal article
Recommended Citation
Yenter, T. (2022). Mary Astell on neighborly love. Religions, 13(6), 475. https://doi.org/10.3390/rel13060475
DOI
10.3390/rel13060475
Accessibility Status
Searchable text