The emergence of philosophical inquiry in 18th century Scotland
The Scottish Enlightenment in the eighteenth century came about because of the intensity of debate and discussion in the clubs and societies in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen in the early part of the century. In a highly disciplined and regulated club atmosphere, they posed questions and prepared papers which were thoroughly discussed and criticised. It is argued in this thesis that this intellectual activity amounted to philosophical inquiry as conducted today in the Centre of Philosophical Inquiry at Glasgow University by Dr. C. McCall. Briefly, philosophical inquiry consists of philosophising conducted In a group structure. Specific questions are inquired into by members of the group who state their agreements and disagreements with each other. In so doing, they form a community of inquiry to arrive at a deeper understanding of the questions posed but without necessarily reaching conclusive agreement about anything at the end of the inquiry. It is argued in this thesis: (1) That philosophical inquiry, in the broad sense of dialogue and debate within groups of individuals, was conducted in the clubs and societies of early 18th century Scotland. (2) That the period 1710 to 1740 saw an increasing intensity
Sinclair, Alistair John
History
The emergence of philosophical inquiry in 18th century Scotland. The Scottish Enlightenment in the eighteenth century came about because of the intensity of debate and discussion in the clubs and societies in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen in the early part of the century. In a highly disciplined and regulated club atmosphere, they posed questions and prepared papers which were thoroughly discussed and criticised. It is argued in this thesis that this intellectual activity amounted to philosophical inquiry as conducted today in the Centre of Philosophical Inquiry at Glasgow University by Dr. C. McCall. Briefly, philosophical inquiry consists of philosophising conducted In a group structure. Specific questions are inquired into by members of the group who state their agreements and disagreements with each other. In so doing, they form a community of inquiry to arrive at a deeper understanding of the questions posed but without necessarily reaching conclusive agreement about anything at the end of the inquiry. It is argued in this thesis: (1) That philosophical inquiry, in the broad sense of dialogue and debate within groups of individuals, was conducted in the clubs and societies of early 18th century Scotland. (2) That the period 1710 to 1740 saw an increasing intensity
emergence philosophical_inquiry scotland scottish_enlightenment come intensity debate discussion club society edinburgh glasgow aberdeen early_part century highly discipline regulate club atmosphere pose question prepared paper thoroughly discuss criticise argue intellectual_activity amount philosophical_inquiry conduct today centre philosophical inquiry glasgow university briefly philosophical_inquiry consist philosophise conduct group structure specific question member group state agreement other form community inquiry arrive deep question_pose without necessarily reach conclusive agreement anything end inquiry argue philosophical_inquiry broad_sense dialogue debate_within group_individual conduct club society early scotland period_saw increase intensity