ABSTRACT
One of the defining features of the Scottish Enlightenment was the preoccupation of its torch-bearers with Stoicism in matters concerning ethics. Hovering menacingly over all proposals in France for an enlightened morality was the presence of the Catholic Church, which boasted powerful links with the throne and was determined to exploit them against the philosophies. Possibly the greatest difference between the two Enlightenments is this: that in Scotland discussions of morality were almost from the start linked with political concerns, whereas in France it would take time for ethics and politics to merge decisively into a unified philosophy. Only half of the ethical program of enlightenment was fulfilled when the philosophies substituted their non-repressive standard of virtue for the self-flagellating virtue of the Church. In France, the philosophies had to struggle for inclusion in le monde, and, once admitted, had to struggle a second time to maintain their independence.
