The ultimate notion of right is that which tends to the universal good; and when one's acting in a certain manner has this tendency he has a right thus to act.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Right action is defined by its tendency toward universal good.
- In plain terms
- You are right to act if your action promotes universal good.
- What can you take from it?
- Judge actions by whether they help everyone.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What counts as universal good?
- How do we weigh competing goods?
Another view
Universal good is hard to define or measure.
More from Francis Hutcheson
That Action is best which procures the greatest Happiness for the greatest Numbers; and that worst, which, in like manner, occasions misery.
Permalink to quote #1 Wisdom denotes the pursuing of the best ends by the best means.
Permalink to quote #3
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