The Logos Podcast An Appeal to Common Sense: Philosophy of Scottish Realism (Sponsored Stream)
Jan 17, 2025
Explore the intriguing philosophy of Scottish Common Sense Realism and its roots in the Scottish Enlightenment. Discover Thomas Reid's core theories on causality, knowability, and self-continuity that challenge the skeptics like Hume. Delve into the distinction between direct realism and representationalism, and how Reid's theistic justification provides a foundation for knowledge. Engage with critiques of common sense, followed by a defense highlighting Reid's fresh insights on ethics and human agency. Humor and spontaneous natural signs round out this captivating discussion.
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Common Sense As Epistemic Foundation
- Thomas Reid and Scottish common sense realism defend direct awareness of the external world against Humean representational skepticism.
- Reid calls certain foundational beliefs "natural beliefs" that reason presupposes and that don't require further proof.
Perception Presents Reality Directly
- Reid rejects representationalism and argues perception presents external objects directly rather than via ideas as intermediaries.
- He treats sensations and memories as signs pointing to real external things, not mere internal copies.
Practical, Democratic Philosophy
- Scottish realism emphasizes practical philosophy and trusts ordinary cognitive faculties for everyday knowledge and moral judgments.
- It influenced American education and pragmatism by valuing common-sense beginning points over abstruse theorizing.
