William Cleghorn facts for kids

William Cleghorn (1718 – August 1754) was a British philosopher. A philosopher is someone who studies big questions about life and knowledge. William was born in Edinburgh, Scotland. His father, Hugh Cleghorn, was a successful brewer.

William Cleghorn became a professor at the University of Edinburgh. He taught Pneumatics and Moral Philosophy. He held this important teaching position from 1745 until he died in 1754. He was only 36 years old when he passed away.

William Cleghorn: A Rival to David Hume

William Cleghorn is mostly known because he was a rival of another famous philosopher, David Hume. In 1744 and 1745, both Cleghorn and Hume wanted the same job. They both applied to be the professor of Pneumatics and Moral Philosophy at the University of Edinburgh.

Many people thought Hume was a better choice for the job. However, the town council chose Cleghorn for the position on June 5, 1745. Some people believe this happened because many church leaders in Edinburgh did not like Hume's ideas. They thought Hume was an atheist (someone who does not believe in God). They also called him amoral and a sceptic.

It has been suggested that a group of people who disagreed with Hume's personal beliefs helped Cleghorn get the job. But some historians think it was not just about personal beliefs. They believe it was also about different ways of thinking about moral philosophy.

Cleghorn's Connection to Adam Ferguson

William Cleghorn was a friend of Adam Ferguson, who also became a well-known philosopher. It is thought that Cleghorn might have been Ferguson's teacher too.

One of the characters in Ferguson's book, Dialogue on a Highland Jaunt, is believed to be based on Cleghorn. It is also said that Cleghorn suggested Ferguson should take over his teaching position after he died. Ferguson did not get the job right away, but he did become a professor at the university later on.