Reason alone cannot guide morality from "summary" of A Treatise of Human Nature: Texts by David Hume

Reason is a faculty of the mind that allows us to draw conclusions based on evidence and logical principles. It enables us to make sense of the world around us and to make informed decisions. However, when it comes to morality, reason alone is not sufficient to guide our actions. Morality is concerned with how we ought to behave, what is right and what is wrong. It involves our emotions, sentiments, and intuitions, as well as our rational faculties. While reason can help us understand moral principles and evaluate different courses of action, it cannot provide us with ultimate moral guidance. Our moral judgments are often influenced by our emotions and sentiments, which are not always rational. We may feel compassion, empathy, or guilt towards others, prompting us to act in certain ways. These emotions are not products of reason, but they play a crucial role in shaping our moral decisions. Furthermore, Hume argues that reason alone cannot motivate us to act morally. We may know intellectually that a certain action is morally right or wrong, but that knowledge alone may not be enough to spur us into action. Our emotions and desires are what ultimately drive us to behave in accordance with moral principles. In this way, morality is a complex interplay of reason, emotion, and social norms. It is not simply a matter of applying logical reasoning to moral dilemmas, but involves a deeper understanding of human nature and the complexities of moral decision-making. While reason can certainly inform our moral judgments, it is not the sole determining factor in guiding our behavior.

A Treatise of Human Nature: Texts

David Hume

Open in app

Now you can listen to your microbooks on-the-go. Download the Oter App on your mobile device and continue making progress towards your goals, no matter where you are.