author
Hastings Rashdall
1858–1924
Remembered as both a philosopher and a churchman, he helped shape modern discussions of ethics while also writing a landmark history of medieval universities. His work brings together moral philosophy, theology, and a deep interest in how higher education grew in Europe.
1 Audiobook
Philosophy and Religion Six Lectures Delivered at Cambridge
by Hastings Rashdall
About the author
Born in London in 1858, Hastings Rashdall became an English philosopher, theologian, historian, and Anglican priest. He was educated at Harrow and New College, Oxford, and went on to build a career that moved between university teaching and church life.
He is especially known for developing ideal utilitarianism, a view in ethics that tried to measure right action not only by pleasure, but by a richer account of human good. Alongside his philosophical writing, he became a major historian of medieval universities, and his study of their development helped secure his long reputation as a scholar.
Rashdall also served in senior church roles, including as dean of Carlisle. He died in 1924, leaving behind work that still interests readers of moral philosophy, theology, and the history of education.