Western philosophy is part of modern philosophy is disputed. The term "modern philosophy" has multiple usages. For example, Thomas Hobbes is sometimes considered the first modern philosopher because he applied a systematic method to political philosophy. By contrast, René Descartes is often considered the first modern philosopher because he grounded his philosophy in problems of "knowledge", rather than problems of metaphysics. Modern philosophy and especially Enlightenment philosophy is distinguished by its increasing independence from traditional authorities such as the Church, academia, and Aristotelianism; a new focus on the foundations of knowledge and metaphysical system-building; and the emergence of modern physics out of
Thomas Gordon (philosopher) Thomas Gordon (philosopher) Prof Thomas Gordon FRSE (1714-1797) was a philosopher, mathematician and antiquarian. He was Professor of Humanity at King’s College in Aberdeen. He was a co-founder of the Royal Society of Edinburgh in 1783. He was the son of Prof George Gordon, Professor of Hebrew at King's College, Aberdeen. His grandfather, also George Gordon was Principal of the College in 1684. Thomas attended University of Aberdeen, graduating MA in 1731. He thereafter held various positions at the College from Regent to Professor of Greek and Philosophy. He was a member of the Aberdeen Philosophical Society from 1758 to