Francis Hutcheson Quotes
Francis Hutcheson was an Irish-born philosopher and the leading figure of the early Scottish Enlightenment. As professor of moral philosophy at Glasgow, he taught the young Adam Smith and shaped the moral-sense tradition that runs through Hume, Smith, and Reid. The quotes below are attributed to Francis Hutcheson, organized by topic.
Francis Hutcheson on Happiness
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Attributed to Francis Hutcheson:
“That action is best which procures the greatest happiness for the greatest numbers.”
Francis Hutcheson on Love
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Attributed to Francis Hutcheson:
“Benevolence is natural to us, as much as is self-love.”
Francis Hutcheson on Truth
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Attributed to Francis Hutcheson:
“Beauty is uniformity amidst variety.”
Francis Hutcheson on Virtue
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Attributed to Francis Hutcheson:
“Wisdom is the pursuit of the best ends by the best means.”
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Attributed to Francis Hutcheson:
“The moral sense is the gift of nature, not the construction of reflection.”