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The Scottish Enlightenment: everything you wanted to know

The Scottish Enlightenment: everything you wanted to know

Craig Smith outlines some of the key ideas, innovations and individuals of the Scottish Enlightenment

Ellie Cawthorne

Published: June 1, 2025 at 7:06 AM

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In everything from the social sciences and technology to art and architecture, 18th-century Scotland saw a flowering of ideas and innovation. But what made the Enlightenment in Scotland different to the rest of Europe? Who were some of its key thinkers? And why were so few women involved? Historian Craig Smith, from the University of Glasgow, runs Ellie Cawthorne through the key inventions and individuals of the Scottish Enlightenment.

Authors

Ellie CawthorneHead of content (audio)

Ellie Cawthorne is head of content (audio) at HistoryExtra