A spinozism without Spinoza? Elihu Palmer and the dynamics of the radical enlightenment in eighteenth-century America

Abstract

This article aims to reposition Elihu Palmer (1764–1806) within the context of the Radical Enlightenment of the eighteenth century, drawing on Antoine Lilti’s framework for understanding radicalism in specific historical and intellectual settings. By challenging Jonathan Israel’s binary of “radical” versus “moderate” thinkers, the study examines Palmer’s public engagements and writings. In doing so, it explores how his ideas engage with Spinozist thought—both directly and indirectly—particularly through the influences of Thomas Paine and John “Walking” Stewart. The paper also investigates Palmer’s complex relationship with Unitarianism, Spinozism, popular religion, and anti-slavery critique, showing that his radicalism was shaped in dialogue with the American historical and intellectual milieu. Employing Quentin Skinner’s methodology and Martin Jay’s reflections, the article offers a more nuanced reading of eighteenth-century radicalism, emphasizing the political uses, philosophical receptions, and conditions of idea-production in the revolutionary Atlantic context.