
Hume's Enquiry concerning the Principles of Morals is one of the landmark works in the history of moral philosophy; this volume presents a section-by-section study of the work in the form of new interpretative essays by leading Hume scholars. The result is a comprehensive reassessment of Hume's 'recasting' of his moral philosophy in this work. Particular attention is given to the Enlightenment concepts of justice and benevolence, as well as to the concept of humanity and moral sentiment. Fifteen original chapters take the reader through the nine sections and four appendices of Hume's Enquiry, as well as 'A Dialogue,' to assess critically the moral philosophy he presents. How does it differ from the moral philosophy of the Treatise, and how should we understand the significance of the arguments he advances? Additional chapters examine the relation between Hume's mature moral philosophy and related subjects such as his epistemology, his writings on religion, beauty and criticism, the passions, and his own intellectual and philosophical development during the period in which he conceived and wrote the Enquiry.
How does David Hume’s Enquiry concerning the Principles of Morals function as a distinct and mature refinement of his earlier moral philosophy? Editor Jacqueline Taylor compiles a series of original essays from leading scholars to analyze the structural and thematic shifts in Hume’s work. The volume examines how the Enquiry reconfigures concepts of justice, benevolence, and moral sentiment compared to the earlier Treatise, providing a comprehensive reassessment of Hume’s philosophical development.
What You Will Find
Scope Limits
Scholars and students of philosophy frequently cite this volume as a rigorous resource for understanding the nuances of Hume’s mature moral theory. Experts highlight the collection as a standard reference for those seeking to bridge the gap between Hume’s early and late philosophical arguments.
Page Count:
354
Publication Date:
2020-01-01
Publisher:
OUP Oxford
ISBN-10:
0192596365
ISBN-13:
9780192596369
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