Thomas Reid Selected Philosophical Writings [Paperback]

Thomas Reid (1710-1796) is the foremost exponent of the Scottish 'common sense' school of philosophy. Educated at Marischal College in Aberdeen, Reid subsequently taught at Kings College, and was a founder of the Aberdeen Philosophical Society. His Inquiry Into the Human Mind on the Principles of Common Sense was published in 1764, the same year he succeeded Adam Smith as Professor of Moral Philosophy at the University of Glasgow. He resigned from active teaching duties in 1785 to devote himself to writing, and published two more books  Essays on the Intellectual Powers of Man (1785) and Essays on the Active Powers of Man (1788). Within a short time of publication, Reids works were translated into French and German, and greatly influenced debates in philosophy and psychology in Europe. His influence in the emerging colleges and universities of post-revolutionary America was even greater. Reid was widely regarded as David Humes most sophisticated contemporary critic. His critique of the theory of ideas , that lay behind both Humes scepticism and Berkeleys immaterialism, his critique of Lockes theory of personal identity, and his defence of moral liberty against determinism, are all of enduring interest and significance. The aim of this comprehensive selection of his writings is to make the key elements of Reids philosophical work available to a new generation of readers. Two other philosophers of the common sense school are featured in the Library of Scottish Philosophy James Beattie and Dugald Stewart.

Thomas Reid (1710-1796) is the foremost exponent of the Scottish 'common sense' school of philosophy. Educated at Marischal College in Aberdeen, Reid subsequently taught at Kings College, and was a founder of the Aberdeen Philosophical Society. His Inquiry Into the Human Mind on the Principles of Common Sense was published in 1764, the same year he succeeded Adam Smith as Professor of Moral Philosophy at the University of Glasgow. He resigned fl“(