The nineteenth century is the first century in which definitions circumvented the globe, promoting discussion of their helpfulness in describing the universe that humankind found itself within. This impetus is especially exemplified by the growth of unbelief into a movement in the nineteenth century. From its inception right through to its mutation in the twentieth century it would, throughout, be obsessed with such words and labels. Oftentimes these were attempts to escape from the unhelpfulness of a previous label as much as to forge something innovative and helpful with a new one.
Nash, David
Department of History, Philosophy and Culture
Year of publication: 2021Date of RADAR deposit: 2020-11-10
“This material has been published in The Cambridge History of Atheism edited by Stephen Bullivant and Michael Ruse. This version is free to view and download for private research and study only. Not for re-distribution or re-use. © David Nash, Cambridge University Press.”