Scottish common sense realism

Scottish Common Sense Realism, also known as the Scottish School of Common Sense, is a school of philosophy that originated in the 18th century, primarily associated with the Scottish Enlightenment. It is a form of realism that asserts the existence of certain common sense principles that are inherent and immediately known to all human beings. This philosophy emerged as a reaction against the skeptical and subjective tendencies of early modern philosophy, particularly those of David Hume. The leading figures of this movement were Thomas Reid, Dugald Stewart, and James Beattie, among others.

Origins and Development

Scottish Common Sense Realism developed in the mid-18th century, with Thomas Reid being its founding father. Reid's work, especially his Inquiry into the Human Mind on the Principles of Common Sense (1764), laid the groundwork for this philosophical approach. Reid argued against the theory of ideas advocated by John Locke and the skepticism of David Hume. He posited that common sense beliefs—such as the existence of the external world, the self, and moral truths—are foundational and cannot be doubted.

Dugald Stewart and James Beattie further expanded on Reid's ideas, promoting the belief in human rationality and the trustworthiness of our common sense perceptions and intuitions. This school of thought was influential not only in philosophy but also in the development of psychology, education, and political theory in the 19th century.

Key Principles

The key principles of Scottish Common Sense Realism include:

• The belief in the existence of a world independent of our perception.
• Trust in our senses and perceptions as reliable sources of knowledge about the world.
• The idea that certain truths are self-evident to human reason.
• The assertion that moral judgments can be universally known and are not solely the product of cultural conventions or personal feelings.

Influence and Criticism

Scottish Common Sense Realism had a significant impact on various fields, including philosophy, psychology, and education. In the United States, it influenced the development of the American philosophy of pragmatism and the educational theories of Horace Mann. However, the movement also faced criticism, particularly from later philosophers who challenged its assumptions about the universality and infallibility of common sense.

Legacy

Despite the criticisms, the legacy of Scottish Common Sense Realism endures, particularly in its emphasis on the accessibility of philosophical truths and the importance of common sense in human knowledge and morality. It remains a subject of study in the history of philosophy, offering insights into the Enlightenment period and the evolution of modern thought.

See Also

• Philosophy of mind
• Enlightenment in Scotland
• History of philosophy in Scotland