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Single Idea 6254
[filed under theme 28. God / A. Divine Nature / 6. Divine Morality / a. Divine morality
]
Full Idea
The reasons assigned for actions are such as 'It is the end proposed by the Deity'. But why do we approve concurring with the divine ends? The reason is given 'He is our benefactor', but then, for what reason do we approve concurrence with a benefactor?
Gist of Idea
We are asked to follow God's ends because he is our benefactor, but why must we do that?
Source
Francis Hutcheson (Treatise 4: The Moral Sense [1728], §I)
Book Ref
'British Moralists 1650-1800 Vol. 1', ed/tr. Raphael,D.D. [Hackett 1991], p.310
A Reaction
Characteristic of what MacIntyre calls the 'Enlightenment Project', which is the application of Cartesian scepticism to proving the foundations of morals. Proof beyond proof is continually demanded. If you could meet God, you would obey without question.
The
20 ideas
from Francis Hutcheson
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6238
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We approve of actions by a superior moral sense
[Hutcheson]
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6239
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We dislike a traitor, even if they give us great benefit
[Hutcheson]
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6240
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The moral sense is not an innate idea, but an ability to approve or disapprove in a disinterested way
[Hutcheson]
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6241
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Contempt of danger is just madness if it is not in some worthy cause
[Hutcheson]
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6242
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We cannot choose our moral feelings, otherwise bribery could affect them
[Hutcheson]
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6243
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As death approaches, why do we still care about family, friends or country?
[Hutcheson]
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6244
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Human nature seems incapable of universal malice, except what results from self-love
[Hutcheson]
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6245
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That action is best, which procures the greatest happiness for the greatest number
[Hutcheson]
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6246
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My action is not made good by a good effect, if I did not foresee and intend it
[Hutcheson]
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6247
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Everyone feels uneasy when seeing others in pain, unless the others are evil
[Hutcheson]
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6248
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Reason is too slow and doubtful to guide all actions, which need external and moral senses
[Hutcheson]
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6249
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If goodness is constituted by God's will, it is a tautology to say God's will is good
[Hutcheson]
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6250
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We say God is good if we think everything he does aims at the happiness of his creatures
[Hutcheson]
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6251
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The loss of perfect rights causes misery, but the loss of imperfect rights reduces social good
[Hutcheson]
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6252
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Happiness is a pleasant sensation, or continued state of such sensations
[Hutcheson]
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6253
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Reason is our power of finding out true propositions
[Hutcheson]
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6254
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We are asked to follow God's ends because he is our benefactor, but why must we do that?
[Hutcheson]
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6255
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Why may God not have a superior moral sense very similar to ours?
[Hutcheson]
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6257
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You can't form moral rules without an end, which needs feelings and a moral sense
[Hutcheson]
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6256
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Can't the moral sense make mistakes, as the other senses do?
[Hutcheson]
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