Abstract

Thomas Reid is known as the founder of the common-sense school of philosophy, also known as the Scottish school. This group had considerable influence in Great Britain and in North America during the 19th century. Common sense is regarded as self-evident knowledge, the means by which we know the objects of the external world. These objects are known to us in their true sense and not as copies or ideas. This is the theory of natural realism and is the point of difference with the theories of John Locke. In this collection of papers, many first delivered at a conference at the University of Glasgow held to celebrate the bicentenary of Reidâ??s death, the eminent contributors open a number and variety of doors into Reid and remind us that he remains a relevant force today.