Creation, Evolution, and “The New Cosmic Philosophy”: William Todd Martin's Critique of Herbert Spencer

Abstract This article explores the religious response of one neglected writer to evolutionary philosophy Herbert Spencer. William Todd Martin was a minister Presbyterian Church in Ireland and 1887 published The Evolution Hypothesis: A Criticism New Cosmic Philosophy . work demonstrates essentially contested nature “evolution” “creation” by showing how self-confessed creationist could affirm an understanding natural world species transformation. Martin's approach reflected transatlantic worldview that saw harmony science religion on basis Calvinism, Baconianism Scottish Common Sense philosophy. critique is also relevant issues continue animate philosophers religion, including connections between mind matter, morality consciousness Darwinian framework, relationship subjective conscious experience physicalism. able anticipate these debates because his philosophical theological rather than biological biblicist.