A bursary at Marischal College in 1857 provided the initial financial support for George Croom Robertson to pursue his academic path. Graduating with top honours in classics and philosophy in 1861, he utilized a Fergusson scholarship to undertake extensive international research, eventually securing a long-term professional base within the English university system until his death.
Early Education and European Studies
After completing his initial studies in Aberdeen, Robertson expanded his intellectual reach through a two-year scholarship. He engaged in intensive language training in Heidelberg before moving to Berlin to study psychology, metaphysics, and physiology under Emil du Bois-Reymond. During this period, he attended lectures on Kant, Hegel, and the general history of philosophy. Following a brief residence at the University of Göttingen, he traveled to Paris in 1863, subsequently returning to Aberdeen to collaborate with Alexander Bain on manuscript revisions.
Academic Tenure at University College London
In 1864, Robertson began assisting William Duguid Geddes with Greek instruction. By 1866, he moved into his permanent professional role as the professor of philosophy of mind and logic at University College London. His teaching curriculum covered deductive and inductive logic, systematic psychology, and ethics. He maintained this post for several decades, resigning only months before his passing due to declining health.
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Robertson held a notable role as the editor of the journal Mind from its inception in 1876 until 1891. His own literary output included a volume on Hobbes for the Blackwood Philosophical Classics series and the co-editing of George Grote’s Aristotle with Alexander Bain. Although he planned a comprehensive study of Hobbes, he left this project incomplete, though fragments of his research appeared in the Encyclopædia Britannica. Posthumous collections of his work, including Philosophical Remains, Elements of General Philosophy, and Elements of Psychology, were published in the mid-1890s.
Social Advocacy and Institutional Reform
Outside of his academic duties, Robertson was involved in various reform movements alongside his wife, Caroline Anna Croom Robertson. He served on the committee for the National Society for Women's Suffrage, working directly with its president, John Stuart Mill. His commitment to expanding access to higher education was reflected in his active support for the admission of women students to University College London.
Fast facts
- Born: 1842, Aberdeen
- Died: 1892, London
- Academic degree: Master of Arts
- Primary employer: University College London
- Editorial role: Editor of Mind (1876–1891)
- Professional influence: Follower of Alexander Bain and John Stuart Mill
- Spouse: Caroline Anna Croom Robertson
Questions readers ask
What specific areas of philosophy did George Croom Robertson teach?
He lectured on logic, specifically deductive and inductive methods, as well as ethics and systematic psychology.
Which major philosophical journal did he edit?
He was the founding editor of Mind, serving in that capacity from 1876 until 1891.
What was his connection to the women's suffrage movement?
He served on the committee of the National Society for Women's Suffrage and advocated for women's admission to University College London.
Achievements
- Held posts at University College London
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