Christian stoicism and politeness : the making of the social ethics of the Scottish Enlightenment
Exploring the moral theorist that underpinned eighteenth-century Scottish society has become a key component of Scottish Enlightenment historiography. Leading figures of the Enlightenment, including Hugh Blair, William Robertson and Adam Smith, examined human nature, morality and activity in a distinctive manner. In the course of their studies, these literati came to view the ethos of the commercial society that was evolving unique them from a unique perspective. More specifically, numerous historians of the Enlightenment have noted the important role played by the Moderates of the Church of Scotland in shaping the 'moral sciences'. Like Smith, the Moderates emphasised the benefits of commercial activity, not least the refinement of manners, civility and politeness that came with the 'universal opulence' of developed economies. It fell to senior Moderates like Blair and Robertson, and their more junior colleague, John Drysdale, to emphasize Christianity's role in the commercial world order and to safeguard the Church's position as a moral bulwark against corruption or luxury. Historians correctly argue that the Moderates developed a type of 'Christian Stoicism' to reconcile matters of faith and polite secular
Merikoski, Ingrid Ann
Christian stoicism and politeness : the making of the social ethics of the Scottish Enlightenment. Exploring the moral theorist that underpinned eighteenth-century Scottish society has become a key component of Scottish Enlightenment historiography. Leading figures of the Enlightenment, including Hugh Blair, William Robertson and Adam Smith, examined human nature, morality and activity in a distinctive manner. In the course of their studies, these literati came to view the ethos of the commercial society that was evolving unique them from a unique perspective. More specifically, numerous historians of the Enlightenment have noted the important role played by the Moderates of the Church of Scotland in shaping the 'moral sciences'. Like Smith, the Moderates emphasised the benefits of commercial activity, not least the refinement of manners, civility and politeness that came with the 'universal opulence' of developed economies. It fell to senior Moderates like Blair and Robertson, and their more junior colleague, John Drysdale, to emphasize Christianity's role in the commercial world order and to safeguard the Church's position as a moral bulwark against corruption or luxury. Historians correctly argue that the Moderates developed a type of 'Christian Stoicism' to reconcile matters of faith and polite secular
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