The Sovereignty of Reason: The Defense of Rationality in the Early English EnlightenmentThe Sovereignty of Reason is a survey of the rule of faith controversy in seventeenth century England. It examines the arguments by which reason eventually became the sovereign standard of truth in religion and politics, and how it triumphed over its rivals: Scripture, inspiration, and apostolic tradition. Frederick Beiser argues that the main threat to the authority of reason in seventeenth century England came not only from dissident groups but