Showing posts with label University. Show all posts
Showing posts with label University. Show all posts

Tuesday 31 May 2022

Scotland's Enlightenment Freedom of Thought & Speech

 

The Scottish enlightenment has been Scotland's biggest contribution to the world and there were two enlightenments, according to Alexander Broadie, Professor of Logic and Rhetoric at Glasgow university in his book, The Scottish Enlightenment. The first Post Reformation with Scots scholars studying and teaching in Paris, and being leaders in Europe; This resulted from the collaborations between France and Scotland. Scotland had close trading links to Flanders and the rest of Europe, in those days when we had busy sea faring ports. Scotland before union 1707 was a trading and outward looking nation and a leader in Europe, not isolated or backward at all!

Broadie writes about the first Scottish Post Reformation enlightened scholars and that Enlightened thought began with the collaborations between France and Scots in the 16th century.  The professors at Scotland’s ancient universities studied and taught in Paris with famous figures in philosophy, law and theology. The auld alliance between France and Scotland lasted for over 400 years from 1290 to 1707, and continues to this day.

Because how could the enlightenment of the 1700s just happen - “the discoveries of 18th century were only possible because Scotland was already strong in sciences, in mathematics, experimenters and informed observers,” 

Scotland is very much a European country according to according to Broadie. He writes that Scotland was culturally as much a part of Europe as France, with the shipping and Scots scholars studying in Europe. ‘The three pre-Reformation, Scottish universities – St Andrews, Aberdeen, Glasgow - have always been strongly oriented towards Europe” ..and that the teaching staff were foreign educated Scots.”

 

Duna Scotus

James Dalyrumple 


The first Enlightenment was led by the scholars such as Duns Scotus (1265 - 1308), Philosopher and theologian;  John Mair (1467 – 1550). Professor theology Paris, who tutored John Knox; James Dalyrumple (1619 – 1695) Father of Scots Law and leading European. George Buchanan (1506 – 1582) Historian and scholar who taught James VI. Father of democracy; and many others.  **The second Enlightenment was in the mid 1700s, led by famous thinkers such as Frances Hutcheson, Adam Smith (Wealth of Nations, Theory of Moral Sentiment); David Hume, historian and philosopher; James Hutton  (1726 - 1797) geologist, naturalist and physician: father of Geology. The Scottish enlightenment is bound up with our country’s identity, and reaches back to the Reformation and beyond to the great cultural achievement of medieval Scotland.”

Some writers however claim the enlightenment began in England (and mention John Locke (1632 - 1704) and then spread to France – is this correct? Then again the term ‘England’ to many world wide is interchangeable for the term ‘Britain’ and Scotland is a mere region of England/ Britain much like Yorkshire or Devon. Does this deliberate distortion of history and geography matter? The BBC certainly view Scotland as a region. I believe it does, as Scots have over the centuries given significant achievements to the world, which in the past century have been ignored and downplayed and with Scots generally made to feel second rate. While the BBC broadcaster clearly has “a region for Scotland” agenda, with no mention of Nicola’s US trip all week on BBC radio Scotland – I’d not have known about her important trip to discuss global issues, if it wasn’t for reading the National newspaper.

Enlightened thought is crucial and our best defence against ignorant and often cruel dictatorships. Populism and dictatorships have been spreading around the world in recent times and are a threat to liberal democracies everywhere. The lack of moral leadership in Johnson’s has been causing a crisis of trust here in the UK. We’re now suffering chaos, no foreword energy planning and the central policy of service industries, based on the city of London. There is no real serious leadership at the centre of this floundering disunited kingdom. 

David Hume

Frances Hutcheson

James Hutton

II  Before the Reformation and enlightenment there was “slavery of the mind” and free thinkers were not only imprisoned but burned at the stake for heresy and for daring to think for themselves and not blindly obeying the authority. The enlightened thinkers believe that ‘thinking for ourselves’ is more moral, creative and superior to suppression and control. “an acceptance of authority, constrains and distorts humanity; and that to think and look for ourselves is morally superior; and means to grow intellectually.” Dictators fear the ‘chaos of democracy” and democracy certainly has flaws. However debates and liberty are also democracy’s creative strengths. 

 

To improve ourselves we must use reason and common sense and to learn the lessons history teaches us. David Hume recognised the need to use reason to fight ‘bigotry and superstition.’ Rulers feared freedom would lead to ‘chaos’ – here in Britain too. When the French and American Revolutions took place late 1700s, the church in Britain preached against the ‘French terror’ and reformers for votes for all men were exiled to Botany Bay (such as the martyr Thomas Muir).

 

There were two main principles of enlightenment – 1. Freedom to think for ourselves. Freedom of thought  2.  The social virtue of tolerance. The Scottish Theory of common sense. And the balance between personal responsibility and responsibility for society and a moral compass. Another key aspect of the SE was that is was a highly social activity with many societies, clubs and debating and meeting places. 

 

Enlightenment reasoning means challenging and thinking for oneself, rather than accepting dictates from a religious or political authority or mass media – how is democracy even possible without critical thought? I used to believe democracy was only possible with a free press, decent education, rule of law, balance of power and a certain level of economic growth. Of course all this reasoning and enlightened thought requires effort! Broadie claims the Enlightenment continues to this day.

 

The Scottish enlightenment’s impact on democracy and reform have been greatly ignored. I only first heard of this incredible history in a talk by professor Tom Devine a few years back, even though I studied higher history at school in Edinburgh, it was all English history we were taught. 

 

George Buchanan

III   A few miles north of me, in the historic village of Killearn, there is a tall memorial to the scholar George Buchanan 1506-1582 and I was curious – who was he and why the tall monument? He was tutor to the young Stewart king James VI and put forward the theory that real power resides with the people -  De Jure Regni apud Scotos, published in 1579 - one of the most important books on democracy and an essential text in our understanding of the constitution and the state. Professor Alan Raich writes on Buchanan, 

“His book follows the Declaration of Arbroath (1320) in saying that all political power resides in the people, and it must reside in the people: and that it is lawful and necessary to resist kings (or all rulers) if  they become tyrants….There were many attempts to suppress his work, particularly by the king he tutored and he foresaw where stupid Stewart vanity would lead. He was a major player in the European cultural context.”

 

The inscription reads – “born Killearn. He was famed in Europe for scholarship and poetry. His witty satire on a corrupt church led to exile and imprisonment in Europe. He travelled widely teaching in France, Portugal and Italy. He returned to Scotland in 1561 to the court of Mary Queen of Scots. He achieved high office as keeper of the privy seal and served as moderator of the church. He taught Mary Queen of Scots and James VI. His advice on the responsibilities of rulers was influential during the 1688 constitutional change and in the formation of the American constitution.” Wisest among the wise.” 

 

That’s the first time I realised Scotland before the union with England, was not a dark, isolated, backward, or ignorant place as often portrayed in both TV and film. The reality actually is that Scotland has given many innovations to the world, not least crucially the theory of democracy and government for the people, by the people


Scotland’s European connections are centuries old, dating from 16th century and beyond – and not only about wars but about our scholars, language, ideas and innovations. Many Scots words are form Flanders and France.. 


Its important to understand the significance of the Reformation and of enlightened thought on democracy and education in Scotland and worldwide. According to Professor Tom Devine, the Scots enlightened thinkers took their philosophy over to America and founded universities there, notably John Witherspoon who founded Princeton– and Scots were some of the America’s founding fathers.  

Freedom from intellectual servitude is celebrated by Robert Burns in 1796 when he lauds the stance of the man o independent mind, in his poem A Mans a Man for a That.  The man o independent mind is aboon them all.


Adam Smith author Wealth of Nations

Sunday 31 January 2021

Scotland influence on Democracy and the American Constitution

Declaration of Independence

Scottish moral philosophy influenced the Founding fathers. 

Scottish enlightenment figures contributed to the American national character, constitution and democracy.- such as David Hume and Adam Smith.

Francis Hutchison – 1740 argued for the right of colonial resistance to tyranny. – and Thomas Reid.  

Recently I was inspired to hear Professor Tom Devine on Radio Scotland speak of Scotland’s great influence on the establishment of American democracy and constitution. 

 

“John Witherspoon (1723 – 1794) was a Presbyterian cleric from Paisley Scotland, who was the greatest force towards developing the national character and a signatory on the Declaration of independence.  Princeton was the seminary of statesmen from President to the Supreme court.”

 

“In the 18th century the Atlantic highway from Europe to America was a highway of ideas – of philosophers, clerics, physicians, and a great influence on the American first constitution. Scotland’s philosophical influence is mainly forgotten today – and sadly the image of Scotland is one of Brigadoon, whisky, bonny glens and hills. “

 

“American scholarship emanated from Scotland with the influence of the Scottish Enlightenment. Late 18th century Scots laid the foundations of the first USA universities – Columbia and in particular the College of New Jersey, now know as Princeton and its first president Scot John Witherspoon. “Scots were Founding Fathers and through John Witherspoon had a profound influence on the American constitution.”

Founding Fathers

What a relief to see Biden as American President along with the first woman Vice President! He spoke of humility, unity and healing and celebrating diversity. About the importance of our fragile democracies and how we must protect them. 

 

Scots Americans were some of American's Founding Fathers and profoundly important to the American Constitution - such as the Scottish Enlightenment figures, Scottish Moral Philosophy and Scot John Witherspoon who founded Princeton. I was amazed to learn!! It seems to me there has been a deliberate suppression of our histories:

 

 I lived 10 years in America and I had no idea of the significance of Scots to American history - except I did see many Scots graves in a small heritage village in the Smoky mountains. Now I can feel proud because the pillars for the transfer of power are so important. "We can only build dreams together." Many place names in America are Scottish. 

 

"Americans built their world around the principles of Adam Smith and Thomas Reid of individual interest governed by common sense and a limited need for government.' 

Historian Arthur L Herman

John Witherspoon

**During King James Stuart VI expeditions set up the first British trading settlement called Jamestown was named after the Scot. Scots trade to Virginia and religious prisoners from the War of the Three Kingdoms arrived 1670s. Glasgow did the main trade of tobacco, in defiance of English restrictions of colonial trade. In return the colony received Scottish manufactured goods, emigrants and ideas.

In 1670s and 1680s, Covenanters or Presbyterian dissenters fled prosecutions by the Royalist privy council under Charles I - to settle in south Carolina and New Jersey. 

The Scots Darien project failed, partly due to England blocking trade. After the Act of Union 1707 - Scots emigrated because of the commercialization of agriculture and the Highland Clearances. 50K Scots settled in the 13 colonies 1700s.

The Covenanters, who had ruled Scotland for 80 years (1581 – 1651), many left for America after being persecuted under Charles II.  

John Witherspoon – Presbyterian college of New Jersey at Princeton. Emigrated 1758. Scottish common sense school of philosophy and his thought son American liberty 1770s. signed of declaration of independence. He was concerned at the interference of the London government on previously devolved issues.

*Scots Americans came in 3 Main Groups - The Highlander Scots, Lowlander Scots and the Scotch Irish

Highlander Scots  - 1700s the Jacobites and the breaking up of the clans, the Highland Clearances. Highlanders often maintained their culture of the clans, such as Gaelic language and their music: they moved to Georgia, Mohawk Valley, Upstate New York, Cape Fear river, mostly loyalists. Many Highlanders left fro Canada.

Lowlander Scots – 18th century to New York and New Jersey, were well educated – clerics, lawyers, merchants, medics - professionals with commercial ties to the crown. They tended to be loyalists. Many were prosecuted Covenanters.

Ulster Scots or Scotch Irish, from the Lowlands of Scotland who under Henry VIII colonized province of Ulster to pacify the threat of Catholic Ireland 17th century Plantations. They left for America to the Appalachian mountains. They owned tobacco plantations, in Virginia and Carolina. Their indebtedness was an incentive for separation and had commercial ties to the old country. Scots-Irish settled in Tennessee and were drawn into the rebellion. Music Border ballads. They were mostly Patriots. Scots fought on both sides of the War of Independence

Devine said that in 2021 it is tragic that a Scots descendent has had such a wicked influence on American democracy today. Rednecks also came from Scotland. 


II  *American Founding Fathers

James Addison – Tutored by Scots minister. Princeton. 

Thomas Jefferson -  Taught by Scots Presbyterian minster. 

John Adams – Harvard Boston. 

John Jay – Columbia university

Benjamin Franklin – English

George Washington – Military career. 

Alexander Hamilton

*Alexander Hamilton - Attended Colombia University, Scots father and orphaned Caribbean. 

He joined and trained Patriot volunteers, senior aid Washington. Founder American financial system, US coastguard and New York Post newspaper. Today there is a population musical 'Hamilotn'

*Alexander McDougall – a friend of Alexander Hamilton. He organised the evacuation by boat, after the Patriots defeat at the battle of long island. The Sons of Liberty Reformers and New York Patriots. Alexander McDougall and John Jay were captains New York provincial artillery 1776.

 

*John Mercer – fought alongside George Washington. He had fought at Culloden and he was a martyr for the Patriot army. . seven years war.

 

*John Wilson – lawyer.  Consideration of the extent of the legislature . 

that power derives from the people. A framer of American constitution: he was also a justice of the supreme court.

 

*George Buchanan (1506 - 1582) – The great scholar George Buchanan, who based his writings on the Scottish clan system and he was the father of democracy. He wrote that all political power resides in the people, and it must reside in the people: and that it is lawful and necessary to resist kings (or queens) or (we might say all rulers) if they become tyrants. There were many attempts to suppress his work by James VI and he foresaw where stupid Stewart vanity would lead. 


Scottish school of common sense 18th century

Philosophers David Hume and Adam Smith, Dugald Stewart, Thomas Reid, William Hamilton, 

 The Scottish moral philosophy had a considerable influence on American constitution. They argued against scepticism – inherent in the acquisition of knowledge and to develop philosophical wisdom. 

 


Thursday 5 March 2020

The Highest Apple



The Highest Apple

An Abhal as Airde

"The best apple will be on the higher bough."

 An Anthology of Scottish Gaelic literature, 7th century  to present of 
 Saints, Scribes and Sea lords 600 - 1600

Professor Alan Raich of Glasgow University, highly recommends this book in the National newspaper. He writes this is the most important book of recent times. 

 “For the health of our nation and enrichment of all our people” 

The book explores connections to Ireland; Bards schools; the Ceilidh house; Narrative prose. 

And the adventures of warriors – such as Fionn mac Cumhaill, Alasdair mae Mhaighstir

And the Greatest Gaelic poems of the 1700s

Gaelic proverbs – “An end will l come to the world, but love and music will endure.”

Thig crioch air an t-saoghal, ach n airidh goal is ceol.”


Thursday 10 March 2016

Scottish A Cappella National Championships

Tone Up
The Killers Quinns

enjoyed a fun night at the Scottish A Cappella National Championships St Andrews University on Friday 4th March - with The Accidentals, The Belles, Aberpella, the Killer Quines, The Other Guys, The Hummingbirds, Tone Up, Edinburgh University A Cappella Society
The Belles
The Accidentals
Aberpella

Friday 22 June 2012

Emeli Sande Olympic Torch Relay George Square June 2012


 

Emeli Sande performed at as part of the George Square Olympic Torch Relay celebrations 8th June 2012.  She performed songs from her number one UK Album Chart, Our Version of Events, which was released in February 2012.
Emeli sang her album songs – Heaven, Tiger, Breaking the Law, My Kind of Love, Daddy, Wonder, Next To Me.
She asked us to join in her last two songs. A very young child behind me, who was about five, was singing along and knew all the words. Her mum said she had heard them on the car cd player. Emeli said that ‘Wonder’ would be the summer single, and it’s hum along chorus works well with stadium audiences – as does ;Next To Me;.

Sande appeared as a guest artist on Professor Green’s single 'Read All About It' which reached the number one spot on the UK Top 40 Singles chart in October 2011. Emeli Sandé is a Scottish R & B and soul artist and songwriter. Before pursuing her musical career, Sandé studied medicine at Glasgow University. Sandé first became known to the public eye after she featured on rapper Chipmunk’s, ;Diamond Rings; which entered the UK top Ten Singles chart. Also a top ten hit with Wiley’s 'Never Be Your Woman; Sandé released her first solo single 'Heaven' in 2011 which made No. 2 UK Singles chart.  Her album 'Our Version of Events' was released in America in June 2012 to good reviews.. Emeli Sande Photo Gallery - ttp://www.zenfolio.com/pkimage/emelisande