(1642-1727)
Although he is best known for his work in Mathematics and Physics, Newton spent more time studying and working with Theology and Alchemy. He admittedly used Francis Bacon's method of inquiry; primarily attempting to gain pure observation of the world, by controlling internal bias, in an attempt to receive truth. He also utilized physics and mathematical approaches, as well as Locke's empiricism. Newton was trying to explain the natural world by discovering the principles through which nature worked. He called this Natural Philosophy; we call it science.
Newton held that Natural Philosophy consists of discovering the frame and operation of nature; reducing nature to a basic set of rules and laws through observation and experimentation. Newton felt that the mysteries of nature could be removed by reducing all natural systems to the properties of matter. At first glance, nature seems chaotic, but after study it becomes an orderly group of phenomena that is accessible to the investigator.
This approach to studying phenomena begins what is termed Natural Religion in that Newton argued that we could see God in nature. He saw this as the glory of God in that only God could make the world work in such an orderly manner. Thus, Newton attempts to uphold religion through science.
Newton also tried to change
the way man was viewed. He claimed reason was the key to
unlocking the mysteries of nature. Newton held that it was
possible for all men to become scientists. All
men could learn his scientific method and that each new discovery
was more proof of God's greatness. Thus, science becomes all
things to all people. Each little discovery adds (atomistically)
to the great edifice of knowledge.
As a result, it became the fashion of the day for common folk to become amateur scientists. Scientific journals began to flourish. Intellectual academies began to spring up. Access to knowledge and participation in discovery had, until this time, been the privilege of the upper classes; now, thanks to Empiricism, Science became available to all.
Yet, science still served religion. This lead to Deism, which stresses the relationship between nature, reason, and faith. We worship God, then, because we empirically know the glory of God. Deism holds that reason and nature are meaningful sources of Christian truth; much better than the Bible or divine revelation (which they called a product of fear and doubt). the fundamental issue of Deism is : all men are created equal because all men have the gift of reason.