Tracing debates and controversies of the past is often difficult. One especially useful source is

 TITLE        Dictionary of the history of ideas; studies of selected pivotal
                ideas. Philip P. Wiener, editor in chief.
 PUBLISHER    New York, Scribner [1973-74]
 Leyburn-Reference      CB5 .D52

The articles are drawn from Journal of the History of Ideas, and the fifth volume is an indispensable index to the other four. It may be useful to look up the names of prominent individuals (viz: Andrew Marvell) and then read the articles in which they are referenced.
There are important intellectual history sources which can shed light on arguments and personalities, but these tend to be specific to historical periods. Examples include: /Briggs Victorian People/