PHIL41970

Philosophical debates that took place during the eighteenth century offer rich insights into moral questions. Moral debates during this period focus not only on questions concerning the foundation of morality, which present-day philosophers refer to as moral metaphysics, but also concern the practice of morality, which includes moral motivation as well as our moral relations to others, to ourselves, or God (assuming God exists). Additionally, philosophers during this period emphasize the importance of moral development, for example by improving access to education or by focusing on character development. As the moral debates evolve during the eighteenth century the role of religion changes and the passions or emotions start to play a more important role. For example, David Hume and Adam Smith develop moral theories that are independent of religion. We also find insightful debates concerning the moral relations between humans and animals and the moral status and rights of animals.

In this module we will examine questions such as the following: In what, if any, ways can morality be based on human nature? Are humans by nature self-interested or benevolent beings? Can one both love oneself and do good to others? Does self-love entail selfishness? What role does education play in personal and moral development? What is love? Are there different types of love? What is friendship? Can friendships be cultivated? If so, how? What, if any, role do friends play in one’s personal and moral development? What distinguishes friendship from other social interactions that we have with others? In what ways can we share fellow feelings? In what ways is this morally significant? What do eighteenth-century philosophers mean by "sympathy’"? In what ways can we sympathize or empathize with fellow human beings and/or animals? What role do animals play in our moral development?

Questions like these will be the main focus of the seminar. We will discuss selected texts by eighteenth-century philosophers such as Damaris Masham, Mary Astell, Mary Lee Chudleigh, Bernard Mandeville, Francis Hutcheson, Joseph Butler, Catharine Trotter Cockburn, David Hume, Adam Smith, Sophie de Grouchy, Catharine Macaulay, and their contemporaries.