The Plurality of Worlds

The Plurality of Worlds is William Whewell's essay on cosmic pluralism. Cosmic pluralism, the plurality of worlds, or simply pluralism, describes the belief in numerous «worlds» (planets, dwarf planets, or natural satellites) in addition to Earth (possibly an infinite number), which may harbor extraterrestrial life. Contents: «CHAPTER I. Astronomical Discoveries. CHAPTER II. Astronomical Objection to Religion. CHAPTER III. The Answer from the Microscope. CHAPTER IV. Further Statement of the Difficulty. CHAPTER V. Geology. CHAPTER VI. The Argument from Geology. CHAPTER VII. The Nebulæ. CHAPTER VIII. The Fixed Stars. CHAPTER IX. The Planets. CHAPTER X. Theory of the Solar System. CHAPTER XI. The Argument from Design. CHAPTER XII. The Unity of the World. CHAPTER XIII. The Future.»