Scottish Philosophy After the Enlightenment: Essays in Pursuit of a Tradition

This book explores a century of debates surrounding the identity and continuity of the Scottish philosophical tradition, focusing on the reactions of prominent thinkers to Hume and Reid. It considers the relation between the Scottish philosophical tradition and the twentieth-century philosopher John Macmurray.

Format: Hardback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 31 August 2022
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

This book delves into the captivating theme of George Davie's The Democratic Intellect, tracing a century-long exploration of the identity and continuity of the Scottish philosophical tradition. It begins with Sir William Hamilton's revitalization of philosophy in Scotland in the 1830s, setting the stage for profound intellectual discourse. Within this rich tapestry, the book examines the responses of a diverse array of once prominent but now neglected thinkers to the influential ideas of David Hume and John Reid. These 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, engaged in spirited debates that sparked new currents of thought.

Graham's comprehensive analysis takes us on a journey through the minds of these thinkers, shedding light on their reactions to Hume and Reid and their contributions to the philosophical landscape. He explores the interplay between the Scottish philosophical tradition and the twentieth-century philosopher John Macmurray, examining how the latter's ideas influenced and shaped the development of Scottish philosophy.

The book is organized into chapters, each dedicated to exploring different aspects of the Scottish philosophical tradition and its relationship with other intellectual movements. The first chapter provides an overview of the historical context, highlighting the key figures and events that shaped the philosophical landscape in Scotland. The subsequent chapters delve into the responses of individual thinkers to Hume and Reid, exploring their ideas, arguments, and contributions to the field.

Graham's writing is clear, concise, and accessible, making it an ideal resource for students, scholars, and anyone interested in the history of philosophy and the Scottish philosophical tradition. He employs a scholarly yet engaging style, drawing on a wealth of primary sources and secondary literature to provide a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the subject matter.

In conclusion, this book offers a valuable contribution to the field of philosophy, providing a comprehensive exploration of the identity and continuity of the Scottish philosophical tradition. Through the lens of George Davie's The Democratic Intellect and the responses of a diverse range of thinkers, Graham sheds light on the rich tapestry of ideas that have shaped Scottish philosophy over the centuries. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of philosophy, the Scottish philosophical tradition, or the broader intellectual landscape of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.

Weight: 548g
Dimension: 162 x 242 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399500906