Online Lecture: &lsquo\;A Matter of Dangerous Consequence&rsquo\;: Molyneux and Locke on Toland
\nWilliam Molyneux&rsquo\;s attitude towards John Locke\, as demonstrated by their correspondence\, might appear to be that of a fawning acolyte. However\, closer analysis of the Locke-Molyneux correspondence regarding the very particular case of John Toland\, and the events and misadventures that characterized Toland&rsquo\;s sojourn in Dublin in 1697\, reveal a different aspect to Molyneux. As I want to show here\, it seems that Molyneux refuses to accept the &lsquo\;abandonment&rsquo\; of Toland that Locke more or less commands\; moreover\, he seeks to defend Toland\, in part\, upon the basis of Locke&rsquo\;s own philosophical-political principles &ndash\; thereby showing himself to be (on this occasion\, at least) more Lockean than Locke himself.
\nTo make this case\, I shall outline the general background regarding the relationship between Locke and Toland\; I then offer a narrative account of the relevant sections of the Molyneux-Locke correspondence\; and I conclude with closer focus on the construction of a particular letter that &lsquo\;closes&rsquo\; the exchange between them regarding Toland. I also suggest that\, beyond the particularities of the debate\, the entire episode helps to demonstrate the &lsquo\;birth pangs&rsquo\; of modernity &ndash\; specifically\, the struggle to develop independent\, secular\, politics.
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ORGANIZER;CN="Hasse Hämäläinen";CN=Anna Tomaszewska: METHOD:PUBLISH END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR