I was listening to a Philosopher’s Zone podcast. Alan Saunders was interviewing former professor of history Arthur Herman about a book he had written on the Scottish Enlightenment. I had just been reading Alasdair MacIntyre’s highlighting of the pivotal impact of Scottish thinkers on the Enlightenment. Herman helped me to understand the historical context.
In the early 18th century Scotland was in poor condition both economically and politically and this encouraged the search for models which would lead to the development of Scotland. Further, due to the influence of Scottish Presbyterianism, “the Kirk”, there was a drive, unparalleled anywhere else in Europe, for every child to be taught how to read, especially the Bible. To this end an attempt was made to proliferate schools for both boys and girls. Literacy rates in Scotland shot up to over 10-20% higher than anywhere else in Europe, with the possible exception of the Netherlands.
In the early 18th century European universities were generally in a deplorable condition. Oxford and Cambridge were both disasters, educationally and intellectually - one did not go to such universities to do any thinking. Both had religious tests for entrance and one had to be an Anglican and subscribe to the 39 Articles to gain entrance. Scottish universities, by contrast, were characterised by intellectual openness and freshness, with ordinary people being encouraged to come and learn - in sharp contrast to all European universities. The universities of Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Glasgow became key places to which English-dissenting families would send their sons for a good education.
In the 18th century it was standard for university lecturers to teach in Latin. Francis Hutcheson, however, lectured in the vernacular, though English not Scots - possibly the first university lecturer to do this. Indeed, it was Hutcheson who used his lectures to develop a systematic approach to ethics, emphasising liberty as the key to a civilised society and teaching that the workings of self-interest could be a powerful instrument to improve morals. It was Hutcheson who profoundly influenced Adam Smith and David Hume, on the one hand, and the so-called School of Common Sense, with thinkers like Thomas Reid and James Beatty, on the other hand.
Biblical Christianity is committed to encouraging the development of wisdom. But as the early chapters of Proverbs and the latter chapters of Job emphasises, wisdom is only found by those who treasure it and search for it as for hidden treasure. Consequently, Biblical Christianity encourages the development of an educational system that motivates people to have inquiring minds. Of course, once freedom is injected into educational processes a Pandora’s Box is also opened. For it is inevitable that sinful human nature, being what it is, will lead educated minds into by-ways and cul-de-sacs and even deadly zones. The book of Proverbs begins with the fundamental principle of all sound education: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge” (Proverbs 1:7). It is the knowledge that my whole life is under the scrutiny of God which motivates me to use my mind in a way that will please and honour him. This knowledge is not oppressive or intimidating for God himself is not a tyrannt or oppressive, though the 18th century Scottish Kirk, in its policing of community morals, was inclined to encourage such a false perception.
But what a great thing it is to be able to read and there is no greater book to read than the Bible!
Posted November 25, 2008
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