Biography of Gershom Carmichael

Gershom Carmichael (1672-1729) was appointed a regent at the University in 1694. When the office of regent was abolished in 1727, he was appointed Professor of Moral Philosophy.

Born in London, Carmichael was the son of an exiled Presbyterian clergyman. He graduated MA from the University of Edinburgh in 1691 and was appointed a regent at the University of St Andrews in 1693. He moved to Glasgow the following year, where he obtained an MA and was appointed a regent.

A highly-regarded philosopher of his day, Carmichael laid special emphasis on the natural rights of Mankind and his most influential publication was a commentary, first published in 1718, on Samuel Pufendorf's work on the duty of Man and the citizen. One of Carmichael's pupils, Francis Hutcheson, considered the commentary to be "of much more value than the text".

Summary

Gershom Carmichael
Philosopher
Born 1672, London, England.
Died 26 November 1729.
University Link: Alumnus, Professor, Regent, University Librarian
GU Degree: MA, 1693;
Occupation categories: philosophers
Search for this person in the DNB
Record last updated: 15th Aug 2017

University Connections

University Roles

• Alumnus
• Professor
• Regent
• University Librarian

Academic Posts

Professorships:

• Moral Philosophy