William Paley (July 1743 – 25 May 1805) was a British Christian apologist, philosopher, and utilitarian. He is best known for his exposition of the teleological argument for the existence of God in his work 'Natural Theology', which made use of the watchmaker analogy.[Wiki]
He was admitted sizar 1758; Fellow 1766. lecturer in Hebrew and Greek. Tutor with Law 1772. Married Miss Hewitt of Carlisle in 1771 and left Cambridge. Vicar Dalston Cumb 1776; Appleby 1777; prebendary Carlisle 1780 Archdeacon 1782; Chancellor of the Diocese 1785. Vicar Aldingham 1792 Prebend St Pancras 1794. Sub Dean Lincoln. Vicar Wearmouth 1795. First wife died 1791 leaving him four sons and two daughters. In 1795 he remarried Miss Dobinson of Carlisle and lived in comfort in Monkwearmouth. He died 1805 [PBR]
Original painting in Carlisle Cathedral where he is buried.
Description physique
William Paley (July 1743 – 25 May 1805) was a British Christian apologist, philosopher, and utilitarian. He is best known for his exposition of the teleological argument for the existence of God in his work Natural Theology, which made use of the watchmaker analogy.[Wiki]. Original painting in Carlisle Cathedral where he is buried.
