Enlightenment in a Smart City: Edinburgh'S Civic Development, 1660-1750

This study uses urban studies theory to identify the unique features that made Enlightenment in Edinburgh possible.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 336 pages
\n Publication date: 31 December 2018
\n Publisher: Edinburgh University Press
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This is a study of the Enlightenment in Edinburgh like no other. It employs data and models from urban studies theory to pinpoint the distinctive features that made Enlightenment in the Scottish capital possible.

Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, played a significant role in the Enlightenment, a period of intellectual and cultural transformation that swept Europe in the 18th century. The city's unique characteristics and historical context contributed to its status as a hub of intellectual activity and a center of progressive thought.

One of the key factors that made Edinburgh an ideal location for the Enlightenment was its location. Situated at the crossroads of Europe, the city was a gateway to the continent and a meeting point for people from different cultures and backgrounds. This diversity of perspectives and ideas fostered a climate of intellectual inquiry and debate, which was essential for the development of the Enlightenment.

Another factor that contributed to Edinburgh's Enlightenment was its political and social climate. The city was a center of the Scottish Enlightenment, a movement that emphasized the importance of reason, individualism, and human rights. Edinburgh's citizens were highly educated and engaged in political and social issues, and the city's government was relatively open and progressive.

Edinburgh's intellectual community was also a significant factor in the city's Enlightenment. The city was home to a number of prominent thinkers and intellectuals, including David Hume, Adam Smith, and John Locke. These individuals were known for their contributions to philosophy, economics, and politics, and their ideas had a profound impact on the development of the Enlightenment.

In addition to its intellectual community, Edinburgh was also home to a number of important institutions and organizations. The University of Edinburgh, founded in 1557, was a center of learning and research and was home to a number of prominent scholars and thinkers. The Royal Society of Edinburgh, founded in 1783, was a society for the promotion of science and was a key institution in the development of the Enlightenment.

The city's architecture and urban planning also played a role in the Enlightenment. Edinburgh's grid-like street plan made it easy to navigate and facilitated the movement of people and ideas. The city's buildings, many of which were designed by Robert Adam and James Craig, were elegant and sophisticated and reflected the city's status as a center of culture and learning.

Overall, Edinburgh's unique characteristics and historical context made it an ideal location for the Enlightenment. The city's location, political and social climate, intellectual community, institutions, and architecture all contributed to the development of the Enlightenment and had a profound impact on the world. The city's legacy of intellectual inquiry and progress continues to be felt today.

\n Weight: 374g\n
Dimension: 140 x 215 x 18 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781474416603\n \n