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Hume, A Treatise of Human Nature

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Hume, A Treatise of Human Nature is a treatise on the true nature of man, being one that is based on feelings. He argues that basically our ideas are derived from impressions we gain thru our senses. Since we cannot experience God and hence, derive no direct impressions from it, then it is not possible that He exists. Even passion and morality are based on feelings of pain and pleasure which are derived from impressions.

Hume believes that morality should be based on feelings effectively separates morality from reason, removed the importance of God and questions the very foundation of various religious beliefs.

A number of philosophers rejected Hume’s during his time, even to this day. His views on giving unparalleled importance to feeling made some philosophers wary of his basis and the validity of his claims particularly religious leaders who believe that morality is based on free will and reason not on emotions or passions.

Looking at it in this context proposed by Hume, we can tell that the Utopian society he was suited for would be one where feelings, senses and impressions rule. Morality and questions of grave importance will only be given due consideration in the context of feelings. This kind of Utopia is probably in direct contrast with Rene Descartes idea where rationalism is expected to abound and is encouraged.


Posted in Previous Authors on December 20th, 2006

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