Opposing Sketches of the Clergy as Literati During the Scottish Enlightenment: Hugh Blair and John Witherspoon

Paul D. Mueller

A chapter in Research in the History of Economic Thought and Methodology: Including a Symposium on Religion, the Scottish Enlightenment, and the Rise of Liberalism, 2023, vol. 41A, pp 99-117 from Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Abstract: The Scottish Enlightenment, which gave birth to classical liberal thought and political economy, developed out of a strong theological tradition and was marked by significant theological conflict. Most people understand the Scottish Enlightenment through the works of David Hume, Adam Smith, and their intellectual circle of Moderate clergy and literati. Though this group represents the dominant strain of thinking in the Scottish Enlightenment, one should not neglect other important contributions made by more orthodox clergy and literati. Comparing the ideas of less well-known, but leading figures of the Moderate and the orthodox literati, Hugh Blair and John Witherspoon, reveals different views on doctrines related to salvation, human nature, and God’s providence, as well as on the nature of moral judgment and education. These differences provide important context for understanding the ideas and arguments of more influential philosophers like Smith and Hume.

Keywords: John Witherspoon; Hugh Blair; Moderatism; Scottish Enlightenment; Literati; Philosophical Theology (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eme:rhetzz:s0743-41542023000041a007

DOI: 10.1108/S0743-41542023000041A007

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