An engraving of Thomas Reid (1710-1796) based on a medallion by James Tassie (1735-1799). Reid was one of the leading figures of the Scottish Enlightenment, whose published works had a profound influence on the philosophy of the leading figures of the American Revolution.
Reid was born at Strachan in Kincardineshire. He became a minister and, in 1752, Professor of Philosophy at King's College, Aberdeen. He was instrumental in the founding of the Aberdeen Philosophical Society and what became known as the school of commonsense philosophy. His Enquiry into the Human Mind on the Principles of Common Sense was published in 1764, the year he succeeded Adam Smith as Professor of Moral Philosophy in the University of Glasgow. He resigned in 1781 at the age of 71, to spend more time writing.
Reference: Sp Coll NR.7.1-3 Vol.1
Glasgow University Library, Special Collections
Keywords:
American Revolution, commonsense philosophy, engravings, Enquiry into the Human Mind on the Principles of Common Sense, Kings College, Aberdeen, medallions, ministers, Moral Philosophy, philosophers, professors, Scottish Enlightenment, University of Glasgow