Elements of Criticism, 2 vols.

A two volume work on the “science of criticism” by one of the leading figures of the Scottish Enlightenment. Kames argues that criticism of art and literature is a rational science as well as a matter of taste. In volume 1 he explores the nature and causes of the emotions and passions. In volume 2 he explores the principles of rhetoric and literary appreciation, and discusses the formation of our standards of taste.

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Citation

Elements of Criticism, Edited and with an Introduction by Peter Jones (Indianapolis: Liberty Fund, 2005). 2 vols.

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Adam Smith (Author)

Both key figures in the Scottish Enlightenment, Kames and Smith converged on their optimism for human coexistence. Kames commissioned Smith for lectures in Edinburgh (1748-1751).
David Hume (Author)

Distant relatives and friends, both Hume and Kames contributed to the philosophical ideas of the Scottish Enlightenment.
Adam Ferguson (Author)

Another key figure of the Scottish Enlightenment, Ferguson succeeded David Hume as Librarian of the Advocate’s Library in Edinburgh, and is known for his works on philosophy and history.
Thomas Reid (Author)

Reid collaborated with Kames during the Scottish Enlightenment and is known as the founder of the Scottish School of Common Sense.
Francis Hutcheson (Author)

Hutcheson also wrote on human morals and tastes and was Chair of Moral Philosophy at his alma mater, the University of Glasgow.

Critical Responses

Article

Voltaire versus Lord Kames and the need for a soundbite

Scottish Review of Books

Kames drew the ire of Voltaire for several criticisms made in the Elements against his poetry and plays.

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Connected Readings

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Sketches of the History of Man, 3 vols.

Henry Home, Lord Kames

Written late in Kames’s life, this 3 volume work deals with the idea of human progress. Vol. 1 deals with progress in property law, commerce, the treatment of women, and luxury. Vol. 2 deals with the development of states, government, and taxation. Vol. 3 deals with the progress of science.

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Book

The Theory of Moral Sentiments and on the Origins of Languages (Stewart ed.)

Adam Smith

Smith’s The Theory of Moral Sentiments provides context to the Scottish Enlightenment and Kames’ work on morals and emotions within Elements of Criticism.

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Book

An Essay on the Nature and Conduct of the Passions and Affections (1742, 2002)

Francis Hutcheson

Hutcheson’s essay offers another Enlightenment perspective on human affections. Hutcheson addresses criticism from his original book on the subject: Inquiry into the Original of Our Ideas of Beauty and Virtue.

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Observations upon Liberal Education, in All its Branches

George Turnbull

Turnbull’s book highlights liberal education and its quality for young people. Kames’s Elements of Criticism comments on the appreciation of literature and developing taste.

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