Adam Ferguson

1723–1816

Nationality: Scottish

Historical Period: The 18th Century

Adam Ferguson (1723-1816) was a member of the Scottish Enlightenment who succeeded David Hume in his post as Librarian of the Advocate’s Library in Edinburgh. Ferguson later became professor of natural philosophy at the University of Edinburgh and wrote important works on philosophy and history.

Quotes from Adam Ferguson:

• Adam Ferguson on man’s intellectual powers
• Adam Ferguson on Love, Self-Interest, and Pleasure
• Adam Ferguson observed that social structures of all kinds were “the result of human action, but not the execution of any human design”
• Adam Ferguson notes that “implicit submission to any leader, or the uncontrouled exercise of any power” leads to a form of military government and ultimately despotism
• Adam Ferguson on Factional Quarrels
• Adam Ferguson on Democracy

Titles from Adam Ferguson:

• Author: An Essay on the History of Civil Society
• Author: Selections from the Scottish Philosophy of Common Sense