Hume's 'Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals'

Morality is a matter of feeling or sentiment, not judgement or reason. So argues David Hume (1711–1776), who thought that his ‘Enquiry concerning the Principles of Morals’ was ‘incomparably the best’ of his writings. Indeed, after its initial publication in 1751, the (second) ‘Enquiry’ was re-issued eleven times and translated into French and German during Hume’s life. In great detail and inimitable eloquence, he lays out his ethical theory, where the passions, sympathy with others, and personal character combine against egoism and rationalism.

In this course, we read the entire text (including the important appendices), and clarify the philosophical issues in discussion. As an occasional backdrop, we also use some of Hume’s essays or passages from the ‘Treatise of Human Nature’, as well as selected passages from other authors. This readable and accessible classic is suitable for anyone interested in Hume’s moral ideas.