Hume on the Nature of Morality
Published on 2. February 2022
978-1-108-60064-4 (ISBN)
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.
More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
Cambridge
United Kingdom
Target group
College/higher education
Illustrations
Worked examples or Exercises
File size
1,77 MB
ISBN-13
978-1-108-60064-4 (9781108600644)
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Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
Elizabeth S. Radcliffe
Hume on the Nature of Morality
Book
02/2022
Cambridge University Press
€26.50
Shipment within 15-20 days
Person
Content
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.
