person1694-1746

Francis Hutcheson

Disciplines:

Summary

Irish-Scottish philosopher who developed the moral sense theory — humans have an innate faculty for perceiving moral qualities — and the utilitarian formula that the best action produces the greatest happiness for the greatest number.

Core Contribution

Moral sense theory: benevolence and virtue are perceived through an innate moral sense analogous to aesthetic sense — not derivable from reason or self-interest. Formulated the greatest happiness for the greatest number as a moral criterion. Teacher of Adam Smith at Glasgow.

Key Spikes & Highlights

Formulated the greatest happiness principle before Bentham, but as a descriptor of moral approbation rather than a calculative procedure.
Was tried for heresy for teaching that humans can know good apart from knowing God — acquitted but the trial illustrates the theological stakes of his moral philosophy.

Notable Works & Achievements

An Inquiry into the Original of Our Ideas of Beauty and Virtue

An Essay on the Nature and Conduct of the Passions and Affections

A System of Moral Philosophy

Historical Influences

Lord Shaftesbury John Locke

Intellectual Lineage

Cambridge Platonism Scottish Enlightenment Shaftesbury's Ethics

Contemporaries & Peers

David Hume George Berkeley Joseph Butler

Minds Influenced

David Hume Adam Smith Jeremy Bentham

Intellectual Posterity

Moral Sense Theory Utilitarianism Scottish Moral Philosophy

Discussing