Alexander Bain (11 June 1818 – 18 September 1903) was a Scottish philosopher and educationalist.
He was born in Aberdeen, Scotland to George Bain and Margaret Paul. At age eleven he left school to work as a weaver hence the description of him as Weevir, rex philosophorum. In 1836 he entered Marischal College, and came under the influence of John Cruickshank, professor of mathematics, Thomas Clark, professor of chemistry, and William Knight, profe...
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Alexander Bain (11 June 1818 – 18 September 1903) was a Scottish philosopher and educationalist.
He was born in Aberdeen, Scotland to George Bain and Margaret Paul. At age eleven he left school to work as a weaver hence the description of him as Weevir, rex philosophorum. In 1836 he entered Marischal College, and came under the influence of John Cruickshank, professor of mathematics, Thomas Clark, professor of chemistry, and William Knight, professor of natural philosophy. His college career was distinguished, especially in mental philosophy, mathematics and physics. Towards the end of his arts course he became a contributor to the Westminster Review (first article "Electrotype and Daguerreotype," September 1840). This was the beginning of his connection with John Stuart Mill, which led to a lifelong friendship. In 1841, Bain substituted for Dr Glennie, the professor of moral philosophy, who, through ill-health, was unable to discharge his academic duties. He continued to do this...
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