James Mackintosh

Sir James Mackintosh (October 24, 1765 - May 30, 1832), Scottish publicist, was undoubtedly one of the most cultured and catholic-minded men of his time. His studies and sympathies embraced almost every human interest, except pure science. He was trained as a doctor and barrister, working also as a journalist, judge, administrator, professor, philosopher and politician.

Related Topics:
October 24 - 1765 - May 30 - 1832 - Scottish - Doctor - Barrister - Journalist - Judge - Professor - Philosopher - Politician

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His Vindiciae Gallicae was the verdict of a philosophic Liberal on the development of the French Revolution up to the spring of 1791. The excesses of the revolutionaries compelled him a few years later to oppose them and agree with Burke, but his earlier defence of the rights of man is a valuable statement of the cultured Whig's point of view at the time. The width of his intellectual sympathies, joined to a constitutional indecision and vis inertiae, prevented him from doing more enduring work. His History of the Revolution in England, breaking off at the point where William of Orange is preparing to intervene in the affairs of England, is chiefly interesting because of Macaulay's admiring essay on it and its author.

Related Topics:
Liberal - French Revolution - 1791 - Burke - Rights of man - Whig's - William of Orange - Macaulay

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