"That Is the First Thing, Our Fallibility" (Benjamin Whichcote). Prospettive latitudinarie sulla fallibilita umana fra epistemologia ed etica
Outlines problematic latitudinarian concepts concerning human fallibility & the school's tendency toward theological & ecclesiastical moderation & the acceptance of freedom of judgment & conscience. It is suggested that these latitudinarian themes are not grounded epistemologically, but, rather, are based in theological, ethical, & anthropological notions. In particular, they refer to the structural finiteness of man, man's creatural dignity, & an ethical vision of the roots of evil & sin. Together, these underlying concepts highlight the freedom & responsibility implied in the use of human faculties. The contributions of 17th-century English latitudinarians Benjamin Whichcote, H. More, R. Cudworth, Isaac Barrow, J. Wilkins, & J. Tillotson are surveyed, noting the rejection of the ideas of human infallibility, skepticism, fideism, or authoritarianism. J. Sadler