Alexander Campbell Fraser

Alexander Campbell Fraser (3 September 1819 – 2 December 1914) was a Scottish theologian and philosopher. Born in Ardchattan, Argyll, he was the son of a parish minister and the eldest of twelve children. Despite initial ill-health, he pursued theological studies at the University of Glasgow and the University of Edinburgh, graduating in 1843. He joined the Free Church and served as a minister before becoming a professor. Fraser succeeded Sir William Hamilton as professor of logic at New College, Edinburgh, in 1846, and later held the chair of Logic and Metaphysics at Edinburgh University from 1856. He also served as Dean of the Faculty of Arts for thirty years. His philosophical interests centered on British and Irish philosophers, especially George Berkeley. Fraser is known for his contributions to the philosophy of theism and his personal idealism. He published significant works including 'Collected Edition of the Works of Bishop Berkeley', 'Biography of Berkeley', and 'Philosophy of Theism'. He was recognized for his academic achievements, receiving an honorary Doctorate of Letters from the University of Dublin and being presented to Queen Victoria.