Marx's Reading of Adam Ferguson and the Idea of Progress

• Published in: Journal of Scottish philosophy Vol. 11; no. 2; pp. 167 - 190
• Main Author: Hill, Jack A
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: UK Edinburgh University Press 01.09.2013
• Subjects: Ethics; Ferguson, Adam (1723-1816); Good & evil; Marx, Karl (1818-1883); Morality; Philosophy; Philosophy and Religion; Workforce; society; Adam Ferguson; self; division of labor; moral philosophy; savage; ethics; Karl Marx; good; idea of progress

Karl Marx misappropriated Ferguson's thought even though he championed the Scot's remarks on the division of labor. The argument is developed by examining Marx's specific quotations of Ferguson in literary context and by critiquing Marx's quotations in light of three ethical cate...