William Archer Butler facts for kids
William Archer Butler (born around 1814 – died July 5, 1848) was an Irish thinker and writer. He was known for his work on the history of philosophy. He also wrote many powerful sermons.
A Young Thinker's Life
William Archer Butler was born in a place called Annerville, near Clonmel in Ireland. His father was a Protestant, and his mother was a Roman Catholic. William was raised as a Catholic.
Even as a young boy, William loved to imagine and write poetry. Some of his early poems were quite special. While still at school in Clonmel, he became a Protestant.
Later, he went to Trinity College, Dublin, where he was a brilliant student. He especially enjoyed studying literature and metaphysics. Metaphysics is a part of philosophy that explores basic ideas like what reality is, what exists, and what our purpose is. William was known for his beautiful writing style.
In 1834, he won a new award called the ethical moderatorship. He continued to live at the college. In 1837, he decided to become a priest. In the same year, he was chosen to be a professor of moral philosophy. This special job was created just for him.
Around this time, he also became a priest in Clondahorky, Donegal. He lived there when he wasn't teaching in Dublin. In 1842, he moved to a new church role in Raymochy. He passed away on July 5, 1848.
His Writings
William Archer Butler wrote several important works. His book of Sermons (published in two parts in 1849) was very strong and inspiring.
He also wrote Lectures on the History of Ancient Philosophy. These lectures were published after his death. They were some of the few books in Britain at the time that looked at the history of philosophy. These books included talks about early Greek thinkers and the famous philosopher Plato.
Among his other writings were articles for the Dublin University Magazine (from 1834 to 1837). He also wrote "Letters on Development" in the Irish Ecclesiastical Journal in 1845. This was his response to another important book by John Henry Newman.
