Adam Ferguson

Adam Ferguson was an 18th-century Scottish philosopher, historian, and sociologist, often associated with the Scottish Enlightenment. He believed that society develops organically through individuals' interactions and shared traditions, rather than through top-down planning. Ferguson emphasized the importance of history, customs, and social bonds in shaping human behavior and social stability. His ideas highlight that societies evolve gradually, and understanding their development requires considering human nature and collective experience. In essence, Ferguson saw societal progress as a natural outgrowth of people's everyday relationships and inherited practices.