A History of Freedom of Thought by John Bagnell Bury is a comprehensive exploration of the concept of intellectual freedom throughout human history. The book traces the development of this idea from ancient Greece to the modern era, examining the various ways in which individuals and societies have sought to protect and promote the freedom to think, speak, and write without fear of censorship or persecution.Bury begins by discussing the origins of free thought in ancient Greece, where philosophers such as Socrates and Plato challenged traditional beliefs and encouraged critical thinking. He then moves on to the medieval period, where the Catholic Church exerted a powerful influence over intellectual life, often suppressing dissenting voices and ideas.The book also covers the Renaissance and Enlightenment periods, which saw a resurgence of interest in classical philosophy and a renewed emphasis on individual freedom and autonomy. Bury explores the role of key figures such as Galileo, Descartes, and Locke in shaping these ideas, as well as the challenges they faced from religious and political authorities.Throughout the book, Bury emphasizes the importance of intellectual freedom as a cornerstone of modern democratic societies. He argues that the ability to think and express oneself freely is essential for human progress and innovation, and that any attempt to restrict or suppress these freedoms is a threat to individual rights and the common good.Overall, A History of Freedom of Thought is a fascinating and insightful exploration of one of the most important and enduring values of human civilization. It is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of ideas, the development of modern democracy, and the ongoing struggle for intellectual freedom in our own time.In the same year John Locke's famous (first) Letter concerning Toleration appeared in Latin. Three subsequent letters developed and illustrated his thesis. The main argument is based on the principle that the business of civil government is quite distinct from that of religion, that the State is a society constituted only for preserving and promoting the civil interests of its members --civil interests meaning life, liberty, health, and the possession of property.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.

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