Hume on the nature of morality
Author(s)
Bibliographic Information
Hume on the nature of morality
（Cambridge elements, . Elements in ethics / edited by Ben Eggleston,
Cambridge University Press, 2022
- : pbk
Available at 4 libraries
Note
Includes bibliographical references (p. [64]-71)
Description and Table of Contents
Description
David Hume's moral system involves considerations that seem at odds with one another. He insists on the reality of moral distinctions, while showing that they are founded on the human constitution. He notes the importance to morality of the consequences of actions, while emphasizing that motives are the subjects of moral judgments. He appeals to facts about human psychology as the basis for an argument that morality is founded, not on reason, but on sentiment. Yet, he insists that no "ought" can follow from an "is." He thinks that our motivation to justice must derive from our nature. Yet, he wonders how to explain why anyone would be motivated to follow rules when doing so does not further their personal interests. As an empiricist, his approach is descriptive, yet morality is prescriptive. This Element addresses these puzzles in Hume's moral theory, with reference to historical and contemporary discussions.
Table of Contents
- 1. Overview: Issues and Texts
- 2. Metaethics: Hume's Case Against Moral Rationalism
- 3. Metaethics: Morality Founded on Sentiment
- 4. Virtue: Artificial and Natural
- 5. Hume on Is and Ought
- 6. Does Hume Have a Normative Ethics?
- 7. The Value of Hume's Moral Philosophy.
by "Nielsen BookData"