Adam Ferguson's Method of Moral Philosophy and the Tradition of Scottish Philosophy

Abstract

This paper intends to show that Adam Ferguson's moral philosophy has a body of theory, and that it follows the tradition of Scottish Philosophy. The tradition has 3 characteristics: 1. method of observation, 2. introspection, 3. a priori principles. Ferguson insists on the natural historian's method to find the ultimate facts, which are the superior facts that every theory must depend on.
As for the moral approbation, he explains it by the law of estimation — the ultimate fact. The law can also be the guiding principle of man's good actions, since this moral approbation is accompanied with simple emotions of admiration or contempt.