Deaths on April 19

Richard Price, Welsh-English preacher and philosopher (b. 1723)

Richard Price (born 23 February 1723, died 19 April 1791) was a truly remarkable figure of the 18th century, a Welsh polymath whose intellect spanned moral philosophy, mathematics, and political reform. Revered by many as a leading light of the Enlightenment, Price was not merely an academic; he was a passionate advocate for liberty, deeply involved in the most transformative political movements of his era, including the American and French Revolutions. His diverse contributions, from foundational work in statistics to pioneering efforts in actuarial science, alongside his fervent advocacy for social and political change, cemented his place as one of history's most influential thinkers.

A Welsh Rooted in Nonconformity

Born in Llangeinor, a quiet village nestled near Bridgend in Wales, Richard Price's early life was shaped by the strong traditions of Welsh Nonconformity. This background, emphasizing individual conscience and intellectual freedom, provided fertile ground for his burgeoning philosophical and theological inquiries. Though his origins were rural, Price's intellectual journey quickly led him to London, where he spent the vast majority of his adult life as a respected minister of the Newington Green Unitarian Church. Situated then on the verdant outskirts of the bustling metropolis, Newington Green became far more than just a place of worship; it evolved into a vibrant intellectual hub, a crucible for progressive thought and radical ideas where Price's sermons and discussions drew a wide array of influential thinkers and reformers.

Pioneering Contributions to Science and Thought

Price’s intellectual reach was extraordinary, encompassing fields that laid foundations for modern disciplines. As a mathematician, he is perhaps most widely recognized for his critical work in editing, publishing, and developing the seminal work of Thomas Bayes, leading to what is now known as the Bayes–Price theorem. This profound contribution, published posthumously for Bayes, is a cornerstone of probability theory, offering a mathematical framework for understanding how evidence updates beliefs—a principle fundamental to modern statistics and artificial intelligence. Beyond abstract mathematics, Price was a pioneer in the applied field of actuarial science. His meticulous work on demographics and finance, including studies on mortality rates and population statistics, was instrumental in shaping early models for life insurance and pension schemes, providing a crucial scientific basis for financial security and planning. His insights into these areas earned him the esteemed recognition of being a Fellow of the Royal Society, a testament to his significant scientific contributions.

Furthermore, as a moral philosopher, Price left an indelible mark with works like "A Review of the Principal Questions in Morals," where he explored the nature of ethical judgments and the role of reason in moral deliberation, positioning him as a key figure in British moral philosophy.

Championing Revolution and Reform

Beyond his academic pursuits, Richard Price was an impassioned political reformer and prolific pamphleteer. Living through a period of immense political upheaval, he became a fervent voice for radical, republican, and liberal causes. His unwavering support for the American Revolution, articulated powerfully in his pamphlet "Observations on the Nature of Civil Liberty, the Principles of Government, and the Justice and Policy of the War with America," resonated deeply on both sides of the Atlantic, earning him both fervent admirers and staunch critics. He saw in the American struggle for independence a universal fight for human rights and self-governance, principles he later extended to the nascent French Revolution. Indeed, his influence extended globally; Price maintained an extraordinary network of correspondence and fostered communication among some of the most prominent figures of his age. This illustrious circle included American Founding Fathers such as Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and George Washington, as well as leading French revolutionaries and intellectuals like Mirabeau and the Marquis de Condorcet. Through his extensive connections and persuasive writings, Price played a pivotal role in disseminating revolutionary ideas and fostering transatlantic dialogue during a truly pivotal epoch.

The Greatest Welsh Thinker

Richard Price's multifaceted contributions and his profound influence on his contemporaries and subsequent generations are perhaps best summarized by the eminent historian John Davies, who unequivocally declared Price "the greatest Welsh thinker of all time." His legacy endures not only in the academic disciplines he helped shape but also in the enduring principles of liberty, reason, and social progress that he so ardently championed. From the intellectual ferment of Newington Green to the revolutionary battlefields across continents, Price's ideas continue to inspire reflections on the nature of freedom, governance, and the pursuit of a just society.

Frequently Asked Questions About Richard Price

Who was Richard Price?

Richard Price (1723–1791) was an influential Welsh moral philosopher, Nonconformist minister, mathematician, and political reformer. He was a polymath deeply involved in the intellectual and political currents of the 18th century, known for his work in statistics, actuarial science, and his support for the American and French Revolutions.

What was the Bayes–Price theorem?

The Bayes–Price theorem refers to Richard Price's crucial role in editing, publishing, and extending the work of Thomas Bayes, specifically Bayes's essay on probability. Price's additions and explanations made the theorem, which describes how to update the probability of a hypothesis as more evidence becomes available, accessible and foundational for modern Bayesian statistics.

How was Richard Price involved in the American and French Revolutions?

Price was a staunch supporter and influential voice for both the American and French Revolutions. He published powerful pamphlets, such as "Observations on the Nature of Civil Liberty," which defended the American colonists' right to independence. He corresponded extensively with key figures like Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and George Washington, and his writings helped shape the intellectual arguments for liberty and republicanism during these revolutionary periods.

What is his connection to Wales?

Richard Price was born in Llangeinor, near Bridgend, Wales, on February 23, 1723. His Welsh Nonconformist background profoundly influenced his intellectual development and commitment to principles of freedom and individual conscience, even though he spent most of his adult life ministering in London.

What is actuarial science, and how did Price contribute to it?

Actuarial science is a discipline that applies mathematical and statistical methods to assess risk in insurance and finance. Richard Price was a pioneer in this field, using his expertise in demography, mortality rates, and finance to develop principles that underpinned early life insurance and pension schemes, effectively laying some of the groundwork for modern actuarial practices.