Investigation of the Principles of Knowledge
And of the Progress of Reason, from Sense to Science and Philosophy
James Hutton(Author)
Thoemmes Continuum (Publisher)
Published on 15. October 1999
Book
Hardback
2250 pages
978-1-85506-811-7 (ISBN)
Description
James Hutton (1726-97), often described as the "father of geology", was one of the most important and influential figures of the 18th century. Best known as the author of "Theory of the Earth" (1795) and largely remembered for his radical contributions to earth sciences, he was also concerned with investigating a wide range of natural and human phenomena, including agriculture, botany, physics and chemistry, the origin of language, the nature of government, and philosophy. His "Investigation of the Principles of Knowledge" (1794), published towards the end of his life, was Hutton's third and longest book. A wide-ranging discussion of human knowledge written in response to the works of Hume, Locke and Berkeley, Hutton here expounds a metaphysical system in which an analysis of causation is central. Beginning with the basis of knowledge in sensation, perception, passion and action, he moves on to a discussion of the nature of ideas and reason, the different kinds of proof, power and matter. His conclusion is theistic but not Christian, and stresses that man must not allow religion to be corrupted by those ignorant of science and philosophy.
The primary texts are now very rare and access to his writings is usually through secondary discussions of his thought by popularizers such as Charles Lyell and John Playfair. As a result his thought is often misunderstood. This original text provides an opportunity to consider Hutton's contributions to the social sciences and humanities.
The primary texts are now very rare and access to his writings is usually through secondary discussions of his thought by popularizers such as Charles Lyell and John Playfair. As a result his thought is often misunderstood. This original text provides an opportunity to consider Hutton's contributions to the social sciences and humanities.
More details
Series
Edition
Facsimile of 1794 ed
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Target group
College/higher education
Professional and scholarly
Edition type
Facsimile edition
Dimensions
Height: 234 mm
Width: 154 mm
ISBN-13
978-1-85506-811-7 (9781855068117)
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Schweitzer Classification
Persons
Author
Volume editor
Introduction
formerly Research Associate, University of Edinburgh