Hutcheson, Francis
A System of Moral Philosophy
Rare Books, Manuscripts, Maps & Photographs
Auction: 21 June 2023 at 11:00 BST
Description
in three books. Published from the Original Manuscripts, by his Son Francis Hutcheson. To which is prefixed some Account of the Life, Writing, and Character of the Author, by William Leechman. Glasgow: printed and sold by R. and A. Foulis, 1755. First edition, 2 volumes, 4to (26.2 x 20cm), [12] xlviii 358, [4] 380, contemporary mottled calf, rebacked with corners restored and endpapers renewed, bindings scuffed, spotting to title-pages, volume 1 sigs. K and 2U-2X and volume 2 sigs. C and 3B, volume 1 front free endpaper partly detached and with two ownership inscriptions (probably 19th century), occasional ink underlining, custom slipcase [ESTC T99472; Gaskell 297; Goldsmiths' 8995]
Footnote
Note: Hutcheson was the second professor of moral philosophy at the University of Glasgow, succeeding Gershom Carmichael and holding the position from 1730 until his death in 1746; his successor but one was Adam Smith, followed by Thomas Reid. Published after his death, A System of Moral Philosophy is 'the most voluminous of Hutcheson's writings; it is also the most ambitious in scope. It contains his most comprehensive account of human nature, the supreme good and greatest happiness, divine providence, natural rights, and civil government. His design in the System appears to have been to delineate a theodicy, in which God or providence is shown to have made provision for the happiness of the human race' (ODNB).