Author: REID (Thomas):
Title: Essays on the Intellectual Powers of Man.
Description: Edinburgh: Printed for John Bell..., and D. G. G. J. & J. Robinson..., 1785. FIRST EDITION. .4to, 260 x 205 mms., pp. [v], vi - vii [viii blank], 493 [495 blank, 495 adverts, 496 blank], including half-title, contemporary mottled calf, neatly rebacked with old gilt spine and black morocco label; title-page veryk slightly browned, but a very good and attractive copy Reid (1710 - 1796) began his career as professor and philosopher at King's College, Aberdeen, but later transferred to Glasgow, where he became Professor of Moral Philosophy in 1764. Many of the ideas developed in this volume, a companion a later volume on the active powers of man, published in 1788, while he was lecturing and tutoring students in moral philosophy. In a long, three-part review in The English Review, Or, An Abstract of English and Foreign Literature for 1785, the reviewer made a meticulous and subtle analysis of Reid's themes and arguments. While not conceding that Reid had contributed much that was original to philosophical exegesis, he concluded, "it would be unjust to with-hold from him the praise of a very learned, acute, subtle and temperate writer.... In Dr. Reid's manner there is an air of candour and respect for his adversaries. a sincere regard for the truth, for the dearest interests of mankind, for the dignity of human nature, and above all, a veneration for the Supreme Being."

Keywords: Philosophy psychology prose Scottish Enlightenment


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