The Anglican-Linked State Church in Ireland

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The Irish of your time was not such an Anglican-linked state church going to cause social unrest rather than bring social order. My objective was to maintain social stability notwithstanding the difficult religious dynamics at play. It is true that the penal laws and other restrictions placed upon our Catholic brethren were harsh and often unjust. I too harbored concerns about these laws and their consequences for the Catholic population. Yet my influence as a clergyman and writer was limited in matters of state, and my role was not to dismantle the established Church, but to serve within its confines.

In this conversation, Tyler uses ChatGPT to interview Jonathan Swift about his views on religion, politics, economics, and literature. GPT Swift discusses his support for the Church of Ireland, his shift from the Whigs to the Tories, and his opposition to William Wood's copper coinage in Ireland. He also talks about his works, including Gulliver's Travels and A Modest Proposal, and his skepticism of moral and intellectual progress. Swift addresses rumors about his relationship with Esther Johnson and his fascination with scatological themes in his works. He also discusses his early life in England, his intellectual mentor Sir William Temple, and his jovial attitude towards death.

Special thanks to our Mercatus Center colleague Robin Currie for giving voice to Jonathan GPT Swift.

Read a full transcript enhanced with helpful links.

Recorded March 23rd, 2023

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