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An Enquiry Into The Sources of Morals: David Hume
An Enquiry Into The Sources of Morals: David Hume
What is the ultimate basis upon which morality is grounded? Some believe from reasons (practical
syllogism). Others believe that human actions result from feeling
Are our actions result from practical syllogisms (drink milk example > chain of argument) or feelings (of
pleasure, attraction or repulsion)
It is a controversy
If we believe that human actions are inferences of practical syllogisms > human actions are valid
universally. Whereas if we believe what causes human actions are feelings > feelings change, relative to
human beings; feelings are not universal, therefore moral judgments in this case are not universally valid
Ancient philosopher believe that human actions are virtuous actions aim at happiness (performed well
through reason that guides us to choose the mean). We, moral philosophers, however believe that the
basis of human actions is not moral reasoning but are sentiment or feelings
(controversy btw ancient and modern)
There are 2 arguments in favor of claim that actions are product of moral reasoning
Argument in favor of moral reasoning: in all actions we have to explain them (justify our actions) in
front of others; we provide reasons to our actions; when we do this, we make a kind of practical
syllogisms (explain our acts as conclusion); example: arguing with my GF, I yell and then I apologize then
I explain myself and then she also defend herself and explain; every time we have to explain our actions
and provide reasons; When I raise my voice to my GF, I feel my action is not just and then I'm obliged to
explain >> moral in domain of reason)
If someone is on criminal trial, to defend himself he must provide reasons to show he did not committed
his crime or he may admit that he committed the crime but he provide reasons to his act (justify
himself). So in every actions we do, good or bad, we provide reason for it > support the claim that
human action is product of practical reasoning
Argument that support that actions are product of feeling: (moral views are matters of sentiment)
What leads us to act is feeling of pleasure (Attraction or repulsion); I see coffee, smells good and I drink
coffee due to feeling of pleasure (the action of drinking is a result of pleasure, I like it and reason did
nothing here). It is feeling of pleasure of attraction or repulsion that leads us to actions
What cause our actions is not reasoning but our feeling (motivation to act) whereas reasons do not
motivate us
I know from science that smoking is bad. All human beings who smoke die from cancer (general
syllogisms), and I do not want to die from cancer and I should stop smoking. But I do not stop, I will
continue >> reason here is not enough to motivate me to act. If I fear that I am dying if I don't stop
smoking, then I may stop. Must have strong feelings.
Abstract truth are not a motive to us to act.
This is an argument that support that actions result from feeling.
But both sides are solid and satisfactory >> reason and sentiment work together in all moral judgments
and conclusions.
If we do not have any feeling or passions or any sense of pleasure or not, attraction or repulsion, then
NO moral actions (no motivation to act anymore). What motivates human beings in acting are feelings
and passions.
Reasons can still also play role. Reasons play a secondary role. 1st role by our feelings
It is feeling that causes us to act but reason helps the moral agent to choose things that better satisfy my
feelings. (Example: good to have milk on diet…. Drinking milk is the action; if I drink a milk, not bcz of
practice syllogisms, but bcz I fear dying of osteoporosis >> fear of dying lead me to drink but reasons
tells me that other food also provide calcium; also calcium in milk is better absorbed than other food like
spinach... >> reason helps me choose milk instead of spinach but it is not what motivates me to
consume milk)
Reason in the service of passions; passion more important in human actions
Why for ancient philosophers, reason was the top priority??
>> Reason more fundamental than feeling (reason control and constrains feeling)
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