The following is a critical reflection of a section of modern philosopher David Hume’s Moral Philosophy as summarized in Ryan Pollock’s article David Hume: Moral Philosophy. Pollock’s discussion of Hume’s ethical theories presents a well-researched, well-organized and clearly written summary of Hume’s philosophical views. Pollock includes many supporting quotations and illustrative scenarios from Hume’s original writings and includes reactions of Hume’s contemporaries to said theories. This reflection will focus on the aspect of Hume’s philosophy distinguishing between artificial and natural virtues.
Ramsay, A. (1776). David Hume, 1711-1776. Historian and philosopher [Painting]. Retrieved 18 Feb 2022, from https://www.nationalgalleries.org/art-and-artists/2775/david-hume-1711-1776-historian-and-philosopher
Hume classifies virtuous qualities as those being worthy of praise and generally good for both an individual as well as for society. He distinguishes between artificial virtues which are influenced by social contexts and rules of behaviour, and natural virtues which are independent of human imposed conventions. Some examples discussed as artificial virtues include: behaving in a just manner, respecting the rights of others, displaying good manners, showing loyalty to family and friends and obeying societal laws. Hume’s discussion of justice as an artificial virtue presents a moral dilemma concerning the conventions of justice. While it is clear that behaving in a just manner contributes to public good and is thus considered to be virtuous: “What if [one] can act unjustly without being detected? What if [one] can act unjustly without causing any noticeable harm?” (Pollock, pg. 24). Hume addresses these questions with his story of the “sensible knave” who respects the rules when he feels he has to, but not if he is sure he will not be caught. He expresses his belief that the knave misses out on the personal satisfaction of living a truly virtuous life. Although Hume recognizes that “it will be difficult to convince someone who does not already value the possession of a virtuous character that justice is worth the cost”, he does not seem to be concerned that this moral dilemma is not fully resolved (Pollock, pg. 24).
Hume’s classification of natural virtues includes qualities such as kindness, benevolence, genuine sympathy for others and generally “those qualities that make a human great and those that make a human good” (Pollock, pg. 24). His distinction between goodness and greatness becomes problematic in that the separation can lead to a sense of superiority and privilege attributed to the latter. He “sees the gentle virtues of goodness as correctives to the destructive excesses of greatness, ambition, and courage” (Pollock, pg. 28).
A related issue is Hume’s discussion as to whether natural talents and special abilities are virtuous qualities of a great person. They fit the criteria of being admirable and praiseworthy and are valued as desirable qualities by society in general, yet they can also be negative and undesirable. Eighteenth century philosopher James Beattie rejects Hume’s inclusion of qualities of greatness in the catalogue of virtues, believing that goodness is a virtue and a force for good, but that qualities of greatness have more potential for harm. Pollock agrees that if Beattie’s opinion is valid “then Hume’s attempt to include both goodness and greatness within the catalogue of virtues requires him to provide a satisfactory defense of this point” (Pollock, pg. 31).
In his introductory statements, Pollack notes: “Hume’s ethical theory continues to be relevant for contemporary philosophers” (Pollock, pg. 1). I wonder how pertinent the ethical theories of an eighteenth century philosopher are to the complex global communities of modern times. Perhaps the real benefit in studying such texts is in that it can encourage each of us to examine our personal beliefs concerning the way we live our lives.
Works cited:
Pollock, R. (n.d.). David Hume: Moral philosophy. Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy.Retrieved 18 Feb 2022.
Ramsay, A. (1776). David Hume, 1711-1776. Historian and philosopher [Painting]. Retrieved 18 Feb, 2022,from https://www.nationalgalleries.org/art-and-artists/2775/david-hume-1711-1776-historian-and-philosopher
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