Single Idea 6242

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

Full Idea

Neither benevolence nor any other affection or desire can be directly raised by volition; if they could, then we could be bribed into any affection whatsoever toward any object.

Clarification

'Volition' is choice

Gist of Idea

We cannot choose our moral feelings, otherwise bribery could affect them

Source

Francis Hutcheson (Treatise 2: Virtue or Moral Good [1725], §II.IV)

Book Reference

'British Moralists 1650-1800 Vol. 1', ed/tr. Raphael,D.D. [Hackett 1991], p.274


A Reaction

Of course, notoriously, the vast mass of people have often been bribed to love a politician, by low taxes, or bread and circuses. Still, you cannot choose to love or admire someone, you just do. Not much free will there.