Press Release: Over half of Scots have never heard of the Scottish Enlightenment

Survey reveals more than one in two (56%) of people in Scotland have not heard of the Scottish Enlightenment or Scotland’s most famous philosopher, David Hume.

The David Hume Institute, works with partners to increase understanding of our economy and society, commissioned the survey as it sought to better understand what it means to be named after a historical figure from the enlightenment.

Director of the David Hume Institute, Susan Murray said: 

“This survey poses interesting questions for an institute named in honour of one of Scotland’s most famous Enlightenment thinkers. Does knowing about the enlightenment matter to Scots today?  And what does it mean to be named after a historical figure that almost half of Scots have not heard of?  

“When we began thinking about this, we had more questions than answers but the survey told us we are not alone in wanting to understand more.”

The Scotpulse survey, also found that:

• 7 in 10 people (72%) said they were interested in history and wanted to learn more

• 6 in 10 people (58%) said they specifically wanted to know more about the legacy of historic figures. 

Photo credit: S. Murray, 16/4/25

Less than one in five respondents thought the past was not relevant to how we live our lives today. 

Interestingly, when you look more deeply into the data - it was younger and older people than had more awareness of the Scottish Enlightenment, whereas awareness of David Hume was more uniform across the age ranges.

David Hume is internationally regarded as among the greatest philosophers in history but has recently gained attention for racist views expressed in a footnote first published in 1753 and revised in later years. 

In the footnote, part of a wider essay on national characteristics, he espouses the view that there are several races of humans and that all are inferior to white Europeans. This was at a time when support for the abolition of slavery was beginning to emerge across the British Empire.  Hume was challenged by peers at the time for these views.

The David Hume Institute is working with partners to better understand how the life, times and legacy of David Hume affects our lives today.  The project stemmed from wanting to better understand what might have influenced David Hume to write the infamous footnote.

The project, funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, has brought together individuals, organisations and communities from across Scotland to consider how Hume’s legacy can be used to better understand Scotland today and give more people the chance to think deeply about it.

Director of the David Hume Institute, Susan Murray, continued, 

“People in Scotland want to understand more about their past and how it influences their lives today. The question we have asked since the start is why did Hume write the footnote, and what did it cause? We had to find out what influenced Hume to write the footnote and seek answers to questions like “did Hume know any black people?”

“Asking these questions and being open about not knowing the answers, listening and learning has taken us on a fascinating journey.  Talking openly, including with young people, encouraged deep thinking and learning for all of us."

Thanks to National Lottery players, the funding is supporting a programme of activity organised by the David Hume Institute. Over the coming weeks we will be sharing more details about the work including an intensive 10-week Hip-Hop education programme considering the legacy of Hume, learning from walking in Hume’s footsteps on the Royal Mile and a Forum Theatre production which considered the impact on our lives today. 

Ends

Notes to editor

About the David Hume Institute

The David Hume Institute is an independent research institute based in Scotland. Since 1985, our research and events have provided insights to increase understanding of the economy and society. More information on our https://davidhumeinstitute.org

About the Survey

The survey received 2,194 responses from a representative sample of the adult population, aged 16+, across Scotland. Invitations were issued online using the ScotPulse panel, and fieldwork was conducted between the 4th-10th February. Results are weighted to the Scottish population (2021 estimates) by age and gender. 

About The National Lottery Heritage Fund  

As the largest dedicated funder of the UK’s heritage, The National Lottery Heritage Fund’s vision is for heritage to be valued, cared for and sustained for everyone, now and in the future as set out in our strategic plan, Heritage 2033.  

Over the next ten years, we aim to invest £3.6billion raised for good causes by National Lottery players to bring about benefits for people, places and the natural environment.   

We help protect, transform and share the things from the past that people care about, from popular museums and historic places, our natural environment and fragile species, to the languages and cultural traditions that celebrate who we are.  

We are passionate about heritage and committed to driving innovation and collaboration to make a positive difference to people’s lives today, while leaving a lasting legacy for future generations to enjoy.   

Follow @HeritageFundUK on Facebook and Instagram And for Scotland @HeritageFundScotland on Facebook and use #NationalLotteryHeritageFund  www.heritagefund.org.uk