Scottish Enlightenment contributions
The Scottish Enlightenment of the 18th century was a golden age of ideas that reshaped philosophy, science, economics, and society. Its thinkers left a global legacy that continues to influence the modern world.
- Scotland Tours
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Article 3 of 6 in Heritage-and-Identity/
What Was the Scottish Enlightenment?
The Scottish Enlightenment was a period in the 18th century when Scotland became a hub of intellectual and cultural progress. Universities, coffeehouses, and salons in cities like Edinburgh and Glasgow nurtured revolutionary ideas.
Key Thinkers
- David Hume: Philosopher known for his works on empiricism, skepticism, and human nature.
- Adam Smith: Economist and author of The Wealth of Nations, considered the father of modern economics.
- Francis Hutcheson: Moral philosopher who influenced both Hume and Smith.
- James Hutton: Geologist who developed the theory of deep time, laying foundations for modern geology.
- Joseph Black: Chemist who discovered carbon dioxide and latent heat.
Institutions of Learning
- University of Edinburgh: A central hub for philosophy, medicine, and science.
- University of Glasgow: Known for economics, moral philosophy, and advances in engineering.
Impact on the World
- Philosophy: Advanced ideas about reason, morality, and human behavior.
- Economics: Free-market principles and economic theories that shaped capitalism.
- Science: Groundbreaking research in geology, chemistry, and medicine.
- Politics and Society: Contributed to debates on democracy, law, and individual rights.
Why Visitors Should Explore This Legacy
Travelers can still trace the footsteps of these great minds in Edinburgh’s Old Town, Glasgow’s university cloisters, and Scotland’s many libraries and museums. Learning about the Scottish Enlightenment reveals how a small nation sparked ideas that changed the world.