Professor of Logic and Rhetoric facts for kids
The Professor of Logic and Rhetoric is a special teaching position at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. This role focuses on two important subjects: logic and rhetoric.
Logic is about clear thinking and good reasoning. It helps us understand how to build strong arguments and spot mistakes in thinking. Rhetoric is the art of speaking or writing effectively. It teaches how to persuade people and communicate ideas clearly.
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Understanding Logic and Rhetoric
Logic is like a set of rules for thinking. It helps you figure out if an idea makes sense. For example, if someone says, "All cats have fur, and my pet has fur, so my pet must be a cat," logic helps you see if that's a correct way to think. (It's not, because dogs also have fur!)
Rhetoric is about how you present your ideas. It teaches you to speak or write in a way that is clear, interesting, and convincing. Think of a lawyer arguing a case or a politician giving a speech. They use rhetoric to get their message across.
How the Professorship Began
The University of Glasgow has a long history. Back in 1727, the university decided to create separate teaching roles for different subjects. Before this, teachers called "Regents" taught many subjects, including logic, moral philosophy, and natural philosophy.
The creation of the Chair of Logic and Rhetoric meant that one professor could focus entirely on these two important subjects. This helped students learn more deeply about clear thinking and effective communication.
Key Moments in History
The idea for this professorship came from a plan called the "Nova Erectio." This was a new way of organizing teaching at the university, set up by King James VI of Scotland. It helped to make sure that different subjects had their own dedicated teachers.
Notable Professors
Many talented people have held the position of Professor of Logic and Rhetoric. One of the most famous was Adam Smith. He became the professor in 1751.
Adam Smith: A Famous Thinker
Adam Smith is known worldwide for his ideas about economics. He later became the Professor of Moral Philosophy at Glasgow. His work greatly influenced how we think about money and trade today. Even though he's famous for economics, his time teaching logic and rhetoric helped him develop his clear and persuasive writing style.
All Professors of Logic and Rhetoric
Here is a list of the professors who have held this important role:
- John Loudon MA (1727)
- Adam Smith MA LLD (1751)
- James Clow MA (1752)
- George Jardine MA (1774)
- Robert Buchanan MA LLD (1827)
- John Veitch MA LLD (1864)
- Robert Adamson MA LLD (1895)
- Robert Latta MA DPhil LLD (1902)
- Archibald Allan Bowman MA LittD (1925)
- Herbert James Paton MA DLitt (1927)
- Charles Arthur Campbell MA DLitt (1938)
- Rodney Julian Hurst MA (1961-1981)
- Alexander Broadie MA PhD DLitt FRSE FBA (1995)
- Fraser MacBride MA MPhil PhD (2013 -16)
- Jack Lyons BA PhD (2020)
