Joseph Glanvill

Date of Birth: 1636

Zodiac Sign: Unknown

Date of Death: 1680

Biography

Joseph Glanvill was an influential English writer, philosopher, and clergyman born in 1636 in Plymouth, England. He is best known for his works defending the new experimental science of his time and for his contributions to the philosophical discourse on the existence of witches and the supernatural. Glanvill was a fervent advocate of the Royal Society and the empirical methods of investigation it promoted. His notable works include “The Vanity of Dogmatizing” (1661), where he critiques the certainty of human knowledge, and “Saducismus Triumphatus” (1681), which defends the existence of witches and spirits against the skeptics of his era. Glanvill’s writings had a significant impact on the intellectual landscape of the 17th century, blending scientific inquiry with theological considerations.

5 Interesting Facts about Joseph Glanvill

1. Joseph Glanvill was an early member of the Royal Society, an institution dedicated to the promotion of scientific knowledge.

2. He was educated at Exeter College, Oxford, where he graduated in 1655.

3. Glanvill served as the rector of the Abbey Church of St. Mary in Bath, England.

4. He is often remembered for his role in the witchcraft debate, particularly through his work “Saducismus Triumphatus”.

5. Glanvill’s philosophical writings influenced later thinkers, including John Locke and David Hume.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Joseph Glanvill

1. “The belief in the existence of witchcraft and spirits has a foundation in reason and experience.”

2. “Truth is the daughter of Time, not of Authority.”

3. “For to err is human; to forgive, divine.”

4. “The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.”

5. “Curiosity is the lust of the mind.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

As a 17th-century clergyman and writer, Joseph Glanvill did not accumulate substantial wealth. His net worth is not documented but would be considered modest by modern standards.

Children

Joseph Glanvill had several children, though specific details about them are sparse. His legacy continued through his descendants, who preserved and promoted his works.