Adam Ferguson
Adam Ferguson | |
|---|---|
Adam Ferguson as painted by Joshua Reynolds in 1782 | |
| Born | 20 June 1723 |
| Died | 22 February 1816 (aged 92) |
| Education | |
| Alma mater | University of Edinburgh University of St Andrews |
| Philosophical work | |
| Era | 18th-century philosophy |
| Region | Western philosophy |
| School | Scottish Common Sense Realism Scottish Enlightenment |
| Institutions | University of Edinburgh |
| Main interests | Sociology, political philosophy, ethics, history |
Adam Ferguson, FRSE (Scottish Gaelic: Adhamh MacFhearghais), also known as Ferguson of Raith (1 July N.S. /20 June O.S. 1723 – 22 February 1816), was a Scottish philosopher and historian of the Scottish Enlightenment.
Ferguson was sympathetic to traditional societies, such as the Highlands, for producing courage and loyalty. He criticized commercial society as making men weak, dishonourable and unconcerned for their community. Ferguson has been called "the father of modern sociology" for his contributions to the early development of the discipline. His best-known work is his Essay on the History of Civil Society.