An Examination of Dr. Reid's Inquiry Into the Human Mind on the Principles of Common Sense: Dr. Beattie's Essay on the Nature and Immutability of Truth, and Dr. Oswald's Appeal to Common Sense in Behalf of Religion

An Examination Of Dr. Reid's Inquiry Into The Human Mind On The Principles Of Common Sense by Joseph Priestley is a critical polemic that assesses three contemporary defenses of common sense: Dr. Reid's Inquiry, Dr. Beattie’s Essay On The Nature And Immutability Of Truth, and Dr. Oswald's Appeal To Common Sense In Behalf Of Religion. In the 1774 second edition of this work, Priestley argues against the epistemic primacy of innate ideas and the sufficiency of common sense as a universal foundation for truth. He contends that ideas arise through sensation, memory, and association of ideas, and that reasoning proceeds from observed relations rather than from any mysterious first principles. The book offers extended remarks on Reid's theory, Beattie’s moral and theological claims, and Oswald's religious positions, providing extensive textual citations and a programmatic critique of their approaches to mind, perception, induction, and necessity. Priestley defends empirical investigation and the science of mind, emphasizes the role of experience in acquiring knowledge, and defends the compatibility of religion with rational inquiry. The volume is a landmark in late 18th century debates about epistemology, religion, and the limits of common sense.