A Review of Edwards's "Inquiry into the Freedom of the Will" (ePub)

Henry Philip Tappan (April 18, 1805 - November 15, 1881) was a distinguished American philosopher, educationist, and academic administrator, widely recognized for his contributions to higher education and philosophical scholarship. Born in Rhinebeck, New York, Tappan graduated from Union College in 1825 before venturing to Europe for further study, ultimately receiving a doctorate in philosophy from the University of Leiden. Upon returning to America, Tappan embarked upon a career in academia and theological reflection. His philosophical writings often engaged with, and critiqued, the prevailing religious and ethical discourses of his time, with a notable example being his 'A Review of Edwards's "Inquiry into the Freedom of the Will"' (1839). In this critical work, Tappan tackles the complex subject of free will, commenting on Jonathan Edwards's famous treatise and contributing to the longstanding debate on determinism and moral agency. Tappan's writing is characterized by a clear and logical style, aimed at making complex philosophical issues accessible to a broader audience. Beyond his scholarly work, Tappan's legacy is cemented in his tenure as the first president of the University of Michigan (1852-1863), where he advanced the concept of the university as a place for research and teaching. Under his leadership, the university expanded its curriculum and became one of the first in America to offer a comprehensive range of studies in the arts, sciences, and professions. Tappan's innovative ideas on educational reform and his pursuit of knowledge as an inherent good have left an indelible mark on the field of higher education.