The Age of the Passions by John Dwyer
This study argues that the 18th century, so long regarded as the age of reason, should also be considered the age of passions. Eighteenth-century writers began to explore self-interest, sociability and love, and to manipulate them in ways that would have momentous consequences for the development of Western culture. When carefully cultivated: self-interest led to prudent behaviour and national improvement; sociability contributed to inter-group harmony and national identity; the powerful attraction between the sexes metamorphosed into politics and altruism. Exploring the 18th-century language of the passions in its specifically Scottish context, the author suggests that Scottish writers, such as Allan Ramsay, James Fordyce and James MacPherson were cultural pioneers whose significance goes far beyond the transitory popularity of their literary output. Examiming more lasting thinkers, such as Adam Smith and John Millar, from a radically different perspective, he draws on new connections between the philosophy, social thought, sermons, letters, poetry and epic literature of enlightened Scottish society. John Dwyer is the author of "Virtuous Discourse: Sensibility and Community in Late-Eighteenth-Century Scotland".
John Dwyer gained a PhD in history from the University of British Columbia. He was a faculty member of the University of British Columbia, Simon Fraser University and York University, Ontario, and won the Seymour Schulich Award for Teaching Excellence in 2001. He has served on the editorial board of the Adam Smith Review and is the author of a number of books including Virtuous Discourse: Sensibility and Community in Late Eighteenth-Century Scotland. He is currently Professor Emeritus at York University, Ontario.
| SKU | Unavailable |
| ISBN 13 | 9781898410171 |
| ISBN 10 | 1898410178 |
| Title | The Age of the Passions |
| Author | John Dwyer |
| Condition | Unavailable |
| Binding Type | Paperback |
| Publisher | Birlinn General |
| Year published | 2001-01-01 |
| Number of pages | 220 |
| Cover note | Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary. |
| Note | Unavailable |