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Quote by David Hume

“In all determinations of morality, this circumstance of public utility is ever principally in view; and wherever disputes arise, either in philosophy or common life, concerning the bounds of duty, the questions cannot, by any means, be decided with greater certainty, than by ascertaining, on any side, the true interests of mankind. If any false opinion, embraced from appearances, has been found to prevail; as soon as farther experience and sounder reasoning have given us juster notions of human affairs, we retract our first sentiment, and adjust anew the boundaries of moral good and evil.”

Quote by David Hume

Book:Moral and Political Philosophy

Work

Moral and Political Philosophy

This book delves into the foundational concepts of moral and political philosophy, analyzing various theories and their implications for individual and collective actions. It covers a wide range of topics, including justice, rights, power, and the nature of governance, offering insights into the philosophical underpinnings of ethical and political thought. more

Author

David Hume

David Hume, born on May 7, 1711, in Edinburgh, Scotland, and died on August 25, 1776, was an outstanding philosopher, historian, and economist. Known for his contributions to empiricism and skepticism, his works have had a profound impact on subsequent philosophy, economics, and psychology. more

“He sees such a desperate rapaciousness prevail; such a disregard to equity, such contempt of order, such stupid blindness to future consequences, as must immediately have the most tragical conclusion, and most terminate in destruction to the greater number, and in a total dissolution of society to the rest.”

Order Numbers Greater Stupid Morality Ethics Consequence Destruction Conclusion Desperate Contempt Blindness Equity Disregard Dissolution

Book:An Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals

Source: An Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals

“.. that a rule, which, in speculation, may seem the most advantageous to society, may yet be found, in practice, totally pernicious and destructive.”

May Seems Found Practice Morality Ethics Destructive Speculation Pernicious

Book:An Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals: A Critical Edition

Source: An Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals: A Critical Edition

“But, historians, and even common sense, may inform us, that, however specious these ideas of perfect equality may seem, they are really, at bottom, impracticable; and were they not so, would be extremely pernicious to human society. Render possessions ever so equal, men's different degrees of art, care, and industry will immediately break that equality. Or if you check these virtues, you reduce society to the most extreme indigence; and instead of preventing want and beggary in a few, render it unavoidable to the whole community.”