Benjamin Whichcote served as the 19th Provost of King's College, Cambridge, during a period of significant parliamentary influence over the university system. Born in 1609 in Stoke-on-Trent, he became a prominent figure in religious philosophy, challenging established Puritan interpretations of human nature by emphasizing the role of reason within Anglican theological frameworks.
Academic Career and Administrative Roles
Whichcote entered Emmanuel College, Cambridge, in 1628 and secured a fellowship there by 1633. His ecclesiastical career began with his ordination as deacon and priest in 1637. By 1644, he assumed the position of Provost at King's College. During the Interregnum, he served as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cambridge from 1650 to 1651. During this tenure, he provided counsel to Oliver Cromwell regarding the potential toleration of Jewish people in England. Following the Restoration, his tenure at King's College faced scrutiny, though he maintained his position after conforming to the Act of Uniformity in 1662.
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As a central figure among the Cambridge Platonists, Whichcote advanced arguments that diverged from the strict Calvinist tenets dominant among his contemporaries. He rejected the concept of total depravity, asserting instead that humanity functions as the child of reason. This semi-Pelagian stance attracted criticism from figures such as his former mentor Anthony Tuckney. Due to these intellectual positions, he faced various accusations of holding Arminian, Socinian, and Latitudinarian views. He consistently advocated for religious toleration, suggesting that certain theological dilemmas remain beyond the definitive grasp of even the most diligent religious observers.
Later Life and Posthumous Publication
Following his transition from the university environment, Whichcote performed duties as the Curate of St. Anne's Church, Blackfriars, until the building was destroyed in 1666. He subsequently became the Vicar of St Lawrence Jewry in 1668. He remained in the London area until his death in May 1683 at age 74, with his burial occurring at St Lawrence Jewry. While he did not publish his major works during his lifetime, his writings appeared in the decades following his death, including Select Notions of B. Whichcote in 1685 and Select Sermons in 1689.
Fast facts
- Born: 1609, Stoke-on-Trent
- Died: 1683, Cambridge
- Education: Emmanuel College
- Positions: Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cambridge (1650-1651)
- Religion: Anglicanism
- Key Post: 19th Provost of King's College
- Notable Works: Moral and Religious Aphorisms (1703)
Questions readers ask
What was Benjamin Whichcote's primary philosophical stance?
He was a leader of the Cambridge Platonists who argued that humans are the children of reason and not defined by total depravity.
Which positions did Whichcote hold at Cambridge?
He served as a fellow at Emmanuel College, the 19th Provost of King's College, and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cambridge.
Achievements
- Held posts at University of Cambridge
