Herbert Arthur Hodges

Professor of Philosophy, University of Reading

(1) The Logic of Religious Thinking (2) For Faith and Freedom

In his first series of lectures, Hodges explores developments within Anglo-Saxon philosophy during the first half of the twentieth century. Investigating the sources of religious belief, the metaphysical theories of old-style natural theology are of little importance. In his second series, he turns to the concepts of religious experience and faith, considering the issues relating to theistic belief in the contemporary world. His lectures were never published.

Biography

Herbert Arthur Hodges was born on 4 January 1905 in Sheffield, England. A philosopher and theologian, he represented the Church of England at the first assembly of the World Council of Churches in 1948. During the Second World War, he served in the Home Guard. His first appointment was Lecturer in Philosophy at New College, Oxford, followed by a similar post at the University of Reading in 1928. Hodges was made Professor of Philosophy at Reading in 1936, retiring in 1969.

Member of The Moot, the discussion and study group begun by J.H. Oldham, its purpose was to explore the relationship ‘between church and society and the realisation of Christian ethics in the public sphere’. A Riddell Lecturer, he actively engaged with important ideas in political and religious philosophy. Important works include Wilhelm Dilthey: An Introduction (1944), Christianity and the Modern World View (1949), The Philosophy of Wilhelm Dilthey (1952), Languages Standpoints and Attitudes (1953), Anglicanism and Orthodoxy (1955),

Patterns of Atonement (1955), Death and Life Have Contended (1964), and A Homage to Ann Griffiths (1976).

Published/Archival Resources

These lectures have not been published and no archival information is available..