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Hume on the Nature of Morality

Hume on the Nature of Morality - Elements in Ethics

Paperback (10 Feb 2022)

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Publisher's Synopsis

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.

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Cambridge University Press

Cambridge University Press dates from 1534 and is part of the University of Cambridge. We further the University's mission by disseminating knowledge in the pursuit of education, learning and research at the highest international levels of excellence.

Book information

ISBN: 9781108706568
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Imprint: Cambridge University Press
Pub date:
DEWEY: 192
DEWEY edition: 23
Language: English
Number of pages: 71
Weight: 134g
Height: 228mm
Width: 151mm
Spine width: 11mm