Scottish Philosophy After the Enlightenment

Sir William Hamilton's revitalization of philosophy in Scotland in the 1830s led to George Davie's The Democratic Intellect, which sparked a century-long debate about the identity and continuity of the Scottish philosophical tradition. Gordon Graham identifies neglected thinkers such as Alexander Bain, J. F. Ferrier, Thomas Carlyle, Alexander Campbell Fraser, John Tulloch, Henry Jones, Henry Calderwood, David Ritchie, and Andrew Seth Pringle-Pattison whose reactions to Hume and Reid stimulated new currents of ideas. He concludes by considering the relation between the Scottish philosophical tradition and the 20th-century philosopher John Macmurray.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 31 May 2024
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

Sir William Hamilton's revitalization of philosophy in Scotland in the 1830s sets the stage for Gordon Graham's exploration of George Davie's The Democratic Intellect. Over the course of a century, Graham delves into the ongoing debates surrounding the identity and continuity of the Scottish philosophical tradition. He identifies a constellation of once-prominent but now neglected thinkers, including Alexander Bain, J. F. Ferrier, Thomas Carlyle, Alexander Campbell Fraser, John Tulloch, Henry Jones, Henry Calderwood, David Ritchie, and Andrew Seth Pringle-Pattison. These individuals' reactions to Hume and Reid sparked new currents of ideas, contributing to the rich tapestry of Scottish philosophical thought.

In his conclusion, Graham examines the intricate relationship between the Scottish philosophical tradition and the 20th-century philosopher John Macmurray. He explores how Macmurray's ideas resonated with the Scottish philosophical tradition, highlighting the enduring influence of Scottish thinkers on contemporary philosophical discourse. Graham's work not only sheds light on the historical development of Scottish philosophy but also provides a valuable perspective on the ongoing dialogue between different philosophical traditions.

This comprehensive exploration of Scottish philosophy offers a rich and insightful journey through the minds of influential thinkers, shedding light on the enduring legacy of Scottish philosophical thought and its relevance to contemporary debates.

Weight: 422g
Dimension: 155 x 234 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399500913