Philosophy of Morality by David Hume Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Philosophy of Morality by David Hume - Essay Example The present research has identified that according to Hume, we naturally approve of actions and qualities which we find either immediately agreeable or useful. Wit and eloquence are examples of the former; industry and honesty are examples of the latter. Although these sentiments of approbation and blame arise internally; they are by no means primarily self-centered or relative to each individual. Hume avoids these pitfalls by suggesting that human beings possess a general feeling of sympathy. Not to be confused with universal benevolence or generosity, sympathy allows us to share in the happiness and misery of those around us. Hume contends that the "minds of all men are not similar in their feelings and operations, nor can anyone be actuated by any affection, of which all others are not, in some degree, susceptible. As in strings equally wound up, the motion of one communicates itself to the rest; so all the affections readily pass from one person to another, and beget corresponden t movements in every human creature". In his more mature writings, Hume describes this sympathetic impulse as a sentiment of humanity. He points out that the very notion of morals implies some "sentiment common to all mankind, which recommends the same object to general approbation, and makes every man, or most men, agree in the same opinion or decision concerning it. It also implies some sentiment, so universal and comprehensive as to extend to all mankind and render the actions and conduct, even of the persons the most remote, an object of applause or censure, according to as they agree or disagree with that rule of right which is established. Without this ability to appeal to common sentiment, to recognize the fundamental likeness of human beings, man would be nothing but a "fancied monster," indifferent to others and totally incapable of making regular moral judgments. It is this sympathetic impulse, this shared sentiment of humanity that serves as the foundation of all moral co ncord. Although the sentiment of humanity is "kneaded into our frame" and diffused so widely that "no man is absolutely indifferent to the happiness and misery of others", Hume is well aware that human beings do not live in conditions of universal benevolence and amity. His History of England is filled with examples of callousness, cruelty, and moral confusion. However, Hume avoids this apparent contradiction by suggesting that our sentiment of humanity is frighteningly fragile and can be perverted by external factors. Although the most prevalent and powerful of these factors is religion, it would be a serious mistake to conclude that Hume considers all forms of religion morally destructive. While some religions--those described by Hume as superstitious or enthusiastic--tend to undermine the common sentiment of humanity, Hume recognizes that religion is sometimes capable of promoting our recognition of similitude and bolstering the fragile moral sense. It is the latter species of re ligion that Hume recommends for the public establishment.