Journal of East China Normal University (Philosoph ›› 2012, Vol. 44 ›› Issue (1): 83-89.

• 西方哲学研究 • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Thomas Reid’s Criticisms of Doctrines of Ideas

WEN Yu-Lin   

  • Online:2012-01-15 Published:2012-03-27
  • Contact: WEN Yu-Lin
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Abstract: Although Scottish philosopher Thomas Reid had considerable influence on philosophy in history, he was ignored by official history of philosophy. But the end of twentieth century witnessed a revival of interest in his philosophy. Thomas Reid argued that the theory of idea was an underlying assumption of modern philosophy. Various doctrines of ideas led philosophy to skepticism. To defend common sense, Reid examined the theory of idea carefully and criticized it incisively. Contemporary philosophy confirms Reid’s philosophical farsight in his famous critique of the theory of idea.