August 08

Born in Ireland, Hutcheson became a leading figure of the Scottish Enlightenment after moving to Glasgow. As a professor of moral philosophy, he introduced the concept of an innate moral sense guiding human judgment. His works, including Illustrations upon the Moral Sense, influenced later thinkers such as Adam Smith and Kant. Hutcheson argued that empathy and benevolence form the basis of ethical behavior. He also wrote on aesthetics, arguing that beauty stems from human feelings of harmony. Hutcheson's legacy endures in contemporary discussions of moral psychology and philosophy.

Margaret Urban Walker (born 1948) is an American philosopher whose research focuses on ethics, moral psychology, and feminist theory. She is best known for her influential book 'Moral Understandings', which explores the social dimensions of moral knowledge. Walker’s work addresses issues of responsibility, justice, and the ethics of care, contributing significantly to contemporary moral philosophy. She has held academic positions at universities including Vanderbilt and Georgetown, mentoring students in ethical theory. Through articles, conferences, and editorial work, she has shaped debates on global ethics and human rights.