In ‘An Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals, ‘ David Hume presents a seminal exploration of moral philosophy grounded in empiricism and human sentiment. This work marks a significant development from his earlier writings, such as ‘A Treatise of Human Nature, ‘ where Hume meticulously dissects human emotions and their influence on our ethical judgments. Through a nuanced and elegant prose style, Hume argues that morality is rooted in the impressions of human experience and that reason serves merely as a slave to our passions. Engaging with the philosophical context of the Enlightenment, Hume distinguishes between the moral and the natural sciences, emphasizing the subjective nature of moral evaluations while still acknowledging their universal applicability across cultures. David Hume (1711–1776), a pivotal figure in the Scottish Enlightenment, was deeply influenced by the sceptical traditions of Descartes and Locke, as well as by the burgeoning empirical approaches to knowledge. His philosophical inquiries were often prompted by his dissatisfaction with the rationalism of his time, leading him to explore how feelings and sociability inform our moral frameworks. The social context of 18th-century Europe, marked by shifting paradigms of thought, significantly influenced Hume’s quest to establish a more grounded and human-centered moral philosophy. ‘An Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals’ is essential reading for anyone interested in ethics, philosophy, and the foundations of moral reasoning. Hume’s insights into the interplay between emotion and reason in moral judgments not only challenge traditional views but also form the basis for contemporary discussions in moral philosophy. This work invites readers to reflect on their own moral principles and the human experiences that shape them, making it a timeless contribution to philosophical literature.
Over de auteur
David Hume (1711–1776) was a towering figure in the Scottish Enlightenment and remains one of the most significant philosophers in Western history. An empiricist by persuasion, Hume’s approach to philosophy placed a great emphasis on human experience and skepticism toward speculative reasoning. His literary corpus includes a vast array of works, among which ‘An Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals’ stands out as a seminal text in ethical philosophy. In this work, Hume delineates his theory of morality, building upon the foundation of sentiment and utility over divine ordinance or rational absolutes. This treatise reflects Hume’s elegant prose style, marked by clarity and incisiveness, and is considered an exemplary model of philosophical writing. Hume’s influence extends well beyond ethics, touching upon epistemology, metaphysics, economics, and history. The lucidity of his philosophical inquiries, particularly evident in his other major works such as ‘A Treatise of Human Nature’ and ‘An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding’, solidified his reputation as an accessible and profound thinker. Hume’s naturalistic approach to human behavior and his skepticism about religious dogmas have contributed to the lasting relevance of his ideas, influencing subsequent generations of philosophers, historians, economists, and policymakers. His contributions to liberal political philosophy and the methodology of historical writing are also noteworthy, further demonstrating the multidimensional nature of his intellectual legacy.
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