more from Francis Hutcheson

Single Idea 6238

[catalogued under 22. Metaethics / A. Ethics Foundations / 2. Source of Ethics / c. Ethical intuitionism]

Full Idea

By a superior sense, which I call a moral one, we approve the actions of others.

Gist of Idea

We approve of actions by a superior moral sense

Source

Francis Hutcheson (Treatise 2: Virtue or Moral Good [1725], Intro)

Book Reference

'British Moralists 1650-1800 Vol. 1', ed/tr. Raphael,D.D. [Hackett 1991], p.263


A Reaction

This tries to present moral insight as being on a par with the famous five senses. This doesn't seem quite right to me; separate parts of me can operate individual senses, but the whole of me is required for moral judgements, based on evidence.