Personal Development

Moral philosophy has been part of Western thought since Aristotle. The Scottish philosophers made an important update to the moral philosophy heritage in the courses that they taught. Francis Hutcheson  (1694-1746) taught moral philosophy at the University of Glasgow from 1730 to 1746. Adam Ferguson (1723-1816) taught moral philosophy at the University of Edinburgh from 1764 to 1785. In a sense, these courses taught how to live in a civil society.

Moral philosophy courses begin with an analysis of human nature. Adam Ferguson highlights the uniqueness of the human species: "There is a principle, in respect to which man differs from the other animals, not only in measure or degree, but totally, and in kind. This principle we term his intelligence or mind, intimately conscious of itself, as it exists in thought, discernment, and will.”[1] A natural consequence of this ability is the fundamental right of the individual to make life choices, according to his or her judgement. 

Human Rights

The Scottish moral philosophers saw human society and institutions as essential and natural elements of the human species, and an important element of its happiness, as stated by Ferguson: "Men are disposed to society. They not only associate together, but take part with their fellow-creatures, and consider general calamities as matters of regret, general welfare as matter of joy."[2]

But for a society to function, there are some fundamental rights that need to be respected for each individual. We owe to Hutcheson one of the clearest early statements of the basic human rights:

...such as every innocent man has to his life; to a good name; to the integrity and soundness of his body; to the acquisitions of his honest industry; to act according to his own choice within the limits of the law of nature; this right we call natural liberty, of which liberty of conscience is not only an essential but an unalienable branch... Society cannot subsist unless these rights are sacred... For the ultimate notion of right is that which tends to the universal good. [3]

Associations

In the next page we will discuss some details of social  responsibility which involves the larger communities, but before that, let us consider in this historical context the more immediate groups or associations that are organized for specific purposes or interests. This is what is usually highlighted in modern discussions about civil society. Adam Ferguson is often credited [4] with initiating the flavor of this discussion:

Prior to any political institution whatever, men are qualified by a great diversity of talents, by a different tone of the soul, and ardour of the passions, to act a variety of parts. Bring them together, each will find his place... and numbers are by this means fitted to act in company, and to preserve their communities, before any formal distribution of office is made.[5]

Ferguson highlights the importance of associating: "The safety of every individual, and his political consequence, depends much on himself, but more on the party to which he is joined. For this reason, all who feel a common interest, are apt to unite in parties; and, as far as that interest requires, mutually support each other."[6]