 Francis Hutcheson was born in 1694 in his grandfather's Manse in the townland of Drumalig, which lies between Saintfield, The Temple and Carryduff. His grandfather, the Rev. Alexander Hutcheson was the first minister of First Presbyterian Church, Saintfield or Tonaghneave as it was known at that time. Francis spent his early childhood in Saintfield, where his formal education began in the classical school kept by Mr Hamilton. Later he was enrolled in the Rev. James McAlpin's Academy in Killyleagh. From there he went to Glasgow University studying philosophy for his degree, followed by theological training.
On returning to Ulster he became a licenciate but never an ordained minister of the Presbyterian Church as he accepted the principalship of an Academy in Dublin instead. While there he married Miss Mary Wilson from Longford. He also wrote and published many articles.
At the age of 35 he returned to Scotland as Professor of Ethics and Moral Philosophy in the University of Glasgow. Francis lived in an age of renewed intellectual and theological upheaval and was deeply involved in the intellectual and theological debate of the time. He had a brilliant mind and was an outstanding teacher; being termed "new light". His theology emphasised the benevolence of God and his philosophy the benevolence of man. His teaching and books are said to have influenced and inspired people like the philosopher David Hume (1711-1776) and the economist Adam Smith (1723-1790).
He was probably the most influential and respected philosopher in 18th century America (pre and post revolution). His works were read by Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson (an author of the Declaration of Independence and 3rd President of the USA) and James Wilson (a principal author of the American Constitution).
He lectured in Glasgow for 17 years becoming extremely well known and respected until his untimely death in 1746 from a fever at the of 52. "The System of Moral Philosophy", published after his death, is probably his best-known work today.
Further Reading
Francis Hutcheson: W R Scott
Philosophical Writings of Francis Hutcheson: R S Dowie (ed)
Francis Hutcheson: a supplement to Fortnight Magazine (Belfast 1992)
The Ingenious Mr Hutcheson by Philip Orr www.downcountymuseum.com
|
