James Beattie

Philosopher and poet

From a young age James Beattie was recognised as an outstanding scholar; aged 14 he won a bursary to study Greek at Marischal College, Aberdeen. On graduating he took the position of schoolmaster at the village of Fordoun, south of Aberdeen. There his love of the landscape and nature inspired him to write and, from 1756, he began to publish poetry.

Whilst living at Fordoun, James kept in contact with his university friends in Aberdeen. In October 1760 he moved back to join them, taking up a position as Professor of Moral Philosophy and Logic at Marischal College. He was elected to the Aberdeen Philosophical Society where he debated with fellow philosopher Thomas Reid.

James’s best-known work was his Essay on Truth. This was a bitter attack on the writings of philosopher David Hume, whom James believed was responsible for undermining religion and morals. His Essay brought James celebrity, especially amongst those who saw it as a defence of religion.