4 Quotes & Sayings By Frederick Charles Copleston

Frederick Charles Copleston was an English historian, who wrote in the 20th century. He was the son of Frederick William Copleston, bishop of London in the Church of England. His mother was Annie Ethel Stanley. He was educated at Magdalene College, Cambridge, and taught at University College, Cardiff Read more

His professional career included positions at University College, Oxford (1943-48), Gonville and Caius College (1948-58), and Corpus Christi College (1958-75). He is author of the history of philosophy "A History of Philosophy" (1956) and "The Idea of Progress" (1970).

[O]ther thinkers have philosophised since the time of Plato, but...
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[O]ther thinkers have philosophised since the time of Plato, but that does not destroy the interest and beauty of his philosophy Frederick Charles Copleston
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Plato's proposals in this matter are abhorrent to all true Christians. His intentions were, of course, excellent, for he desired the greatest possible improvement of the human race; but his good intentions led him to the proposal of measures which are necessarily unacceptable and repugnant to all those who adhere to Christian principles concerning the value of the human personality and the sanctity of human life. Moreover, it by no means follows that what has been found successful in the breeding of animals, will also prove successful when applied to the human race, for man has a rational soul which is not intrinsically dependent on matter but is directly created by Almighty God. Does a beautiful soul always go with a beautiful body or a good character with a strong body? Again, if such measures were successful – and what does "successful" mean in this connection? – in the case of the human race, it does not follow that the Government has the right to apply such measures. Those who to-day follow, or would like to follow, in the footsteps of Plato, advocating, e.g. compulsory sterilisation of the unfit, have not, be it remembered, Plato's excuse, that he lied at a period anterior to the presentation of the Christian ideals and principles. – 230. Frederick Charles Copleston