CFP: Scottish Common Sense Philosophy in the Scottish Enlightenment

Of the distinctive ideas associated with the Scottish Enlightenment, the so-called Scottish School of Common Sense dominated late eighteenth and early nineteenth-century Scottish moral philosophy. From its Scottish origin in the Aberdeen Philosophical Society (also known as the ‘Wise Club’) and some disagreement over the term ‘common sense’, Common Sense philosophy gradually became known in the wider Republic of Letters as Scottish philosophy. This three-day conference will advance a better understanding of the early development of Scottish Common Sense philosophy, philosophers associated with the Scottish School of Common Sense, and the reasons why this philosophical system flourished and later declined.

The BSHP invites proposals of papers and panel-sessions that explore ‘Common Sense’ themes examined by Thomas Reid as well as the earlier theorists who influenced the development of Scottish philosophy and the later philosophers associated with the Scottish School of Common Sense. These philosophical themes include the Common Sense treatment of the intellectual powers of mind (particularly ‘sensations’), the active powers of mind (particularly applied ethics and ‘causation’), aesthetics, natural religion and natural law among others. Offers of papers that explore the significance and importance of Common Sense Philosophy in addressing questions and topics within contemporary philosophy are also welcomed.

Please email a title and one-page description of your proposed panel or proposed 30-minute paper, along with a one-page CV containing your contact information (deadline: 30 September 2013) to: Pauline Phemister ([email protected]) or Brad Bow ([email protected]).