Henry More framed technological power over nature as evidence of God’s providence
Evidence
More’s Antidote Against Atheism (1653) dealt with the issues created by the atheistic mechanism of Hobbes, and the underlying problem of man’s mechanical power over nature. Like Cicero, More saw evidence of human technological prowess in the use of nature—the lodestone for navigation, timbers for building ships to transport goods, coal for the smelting of ores and working of metals, and quarried stones in the erection of large buildings. God’s providence, combined with human reason in the wise use of nature, would prevent runaway technology from taking its toll, as in the case of Daedalus and Icarus. — Carolyn Merchant, The Death of Nature, 908
Categorization
- XREF: This is the theological version of ch46’s point that ‘humanist technological progress assumed an environment crowded with humans at nature’s expense’ — here God’s providence rather than Eden’s loss legitimates the same exploitation. — connects to: Natural theology sacralized commerce, science, and improvement as divine service — Carolyn Merchant, The Death of Nature: Women, Ecology,…, 913; Theistic scientists attacked mechanism for excluding divine purpose and providence from nature — Carolyn Merchant, The Death of Nature: Women, Ecology,…, 911; The Scientific Revolution’s death of nature licensed nature’s manipulation — Carolyn Merchant, The Death of Nature: Women, Ecology,…, 761 (+1 more)
Broader Connections
- Natural theology sacralized commerce, science, and improvement as divine service
#corroborates(0.85) — Carolyn Merchant, The Death of Nature, 913 - Natural theology reframed godly stewardship as managerial mastery compatible with growth capitalism
#expands(0.85) — Carolyn Merchant, The Death of Nature, 925 - Theistic scientists attacked mechanism for excluding divine purpose and providence from nature
#corroborates(0.80) — Carolyn Merchant, The Death of Nature, 911 - The Scientific Revolution’s death of nature licensed nature’s manipulation
#qualifies(0.78) — Carolyn Merchant, The Death of Nature, 761