About the Center for the Study of Scottish Philosophy
The purpose of the CSSP is to promote and encourage the highest levels of research and study of Scottish philosophy. Its specific aims include:
- Extending interest in Scottish philosophy beyond the traditional period of the Scottish Enlightenment among philosophers, theologians and historians of ideas.
- Exploring the impact of the Scottish philosophical tradition on the development of liberal arts colleges and theological education in North America.
- Recovering the resources of the tradition for engagement with contemporary philosophical and theological thought.
History of the Center for the Study of Scottish Philosophy
In 1997 the University of Aberdeen in Scotland established 'The Reid Project' with the purpose of encouraging the study of the Scottish Enlightenment philosopher Thomas Reid (1710-96) who taught philosophy at King’s College Aberdeen in the 18th century. In 2003 The Reid Project was expanded into an established Center for the Study of Scottish Philosophy (CSSP). Under its auspices, the Journal of Scottish Philosophy was founded, a book series launched, and a number of meetings and conferences organized.
The tradition of Scottish Philosophy was first identified as such in a seminal book of that name by James McCosh, President of the College of New Jersey, now Princeton University. In Spring 2006, the CSSP relocated to Princeton Theological Seminary. In its new location and with a new Advisory Board, the CSSP has expanded its activities in publishing and organizing events. The Journal of Scottish Philosophy, now published on behalf of Princeton Theological Seminary by Edinburgh University Press, devotes one issue a year to a special theme. Both current and back issues have been online since January 2008. Four further volumes have been added to the Library of Scottish Philosophy with a further three in preparation, bringing the current list to 13. The series of symposia that began in 1998, now renamed the Princeton International Symposia in Scottish Philosophy, continues and a program of smaller workshops has been revived. Building on the legacy of McCosh and the unrivalled resources offered by the combination of Seminary and University Libraries, a major project is a new multi-volume history of Scottish philosophy.
The CSSP issues regular electronic newsletters with information of events, activities and publications. To be included on the CSSP email list email cssp@ptsem.edu.
Contact Information
The Center for the Study of Scottish Philosophy
Princeton Theological Seminary
P.O. Box 821 Princeton, NJ 08542-0803
Tel: 609-497-7849
Fax: 609-497-7728
Email: cssp@ptsem.edu