The Origins of the American Philosophy The purpose of my dissertation research is to examine the impact of Scottish Common Scense philosophy on early American thought. This will be accomplished by closely examining how Scottish Common Sense philosophy came to America, why it was attractive to Americans, where it had the most influence, how it spread through America, and what was its legacy.
Because of his extensive contribution to early American thought, this research will begin with the career of John Witherspoon. Perhaps the most influential Scottish immigrant in the Eighteenth century, John Witherspoon was an educator, political revolutionary and Presbyterian Minister.
John Witherspoon is credited for introducing "Scottish Common Sense realism" to Colonial America. As the sixth president of Princeton, he was in a perfect position to implement the Scottish philosophical system of Common Sense Realism. Scottish Common Sense Realism radiated out from Princeton for over a century, and remained for a long time as one of the primary currents of American thought. The list of graduates from Princeton under Witherspoon's tenure as president is an impressive list of influential Americans.
Since a great deal of research has been done on Witherspoon's impact on early American thought, this research will focus on the graduates of Princeton while Witherspoon was president. The academic legacy of John Witherspoon is quite impressive. During his tenure, 469 students received their degrees under him. One hundred and fourteen were ministers. Thirteen of the graduates went on to became presidents of universities in eight different states. One of his students, James Madison, became President of the United States, and six were members of the Continental Congress. Another nine of his students were appointed to Cabinet positions, twelve were chosen as Governors of states and at least 60 became Senators or Representatives in Congress. In addition, two honorary doctorates were given during his tenure, one to Thomas Jefferson and one to Alexander Hamilton. Many of Witherspoon's former students left New Jersey to fill academic positions on the frontier of emerging America, carrying Common Sense philosophy with them.
Biographical listing of John Witherspoon's Life
List of Graduates during John Witherspoon's tenure as President of Princeton
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Email: jbraswel@mailer.fsu.edu