An Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals by David Hume

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Author Hume, David, 1711-1776
Title An Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals
Credits Produced by John Mamoun, Charles Franks and the Online
Distributed Proofreading Team
Summary "An Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals" by David Hume is a philosophical treatise written in the 18th century that delves into the foundation of moral principles and ethics. The discourse focuses on whether morals are a product of reason or sentiment, examining the social virtues of benevolence and justice while discussing the implications of each on human behavior and society. The opening portion of the work introduces the author’s perspective on the nature of moral distinctions, positing that moral disagreements often stem from obstinate adherence to opinions rather than rational discourse. Hume outlines the contemporary philosophical debate regarding the origins of morality, engaging with ancient and modern viewpoints on whether morals derive from rational thought or innate feelings. He suggests that the essence of morality is intertwined with social virtues, indicating that attributes like benevolence should inherently elicit public approval since they contribute positively to society's functioning. Through this inquiry, Hume sets a foundation for exploring the significance of moral judgments and the factors influencing them throughout the text. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
Language English
LoC Class BJ: Philosophy, Psychology, Religion: Ethics, Social usages, Etiquette, Religion
Subject Ethics
Subject Conduct of life
Category Text
EBook-No. 4320
Release Date
Most Recently Updated Jan 22, 2020
Copyright Status Public domain in the USA.
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