Emotions Over Reason: Humes Moral Sentimentalism in Action

Abstract

Instructor’s Name Hume’s theory disputes reason as a standard of morality, asserting that moral sentiments such as passion and feelings significantly influence human action. The basis of this discussion is the argument that moral judgments and evaluations emanate from moral sentiments which provoke good or evil. The center of the discussion is the construct of justice. The law relies on factual reasoning, which is disputable since human beings are slaves of their passions and act when provoked. The law enforces severe punishment for murder without conferring on the consequential of the murder. This paper will also present an objection in the context of the natural law of humanity and God-given, in which life is sacred and the vice of killing is forbidden, whatever the circumstances. The counterargument presented in this case limits reason as a slave of human passions. It cannot stir human activity. the critique on universal natural laws are mere facts, but human beings are not subject to the law and will continue breaking the rules. This paper will discuss reason as a slave of human passions using the construct of justice to coherently define ne moral conviction that is uncertain and innocent using Hume’s theory. Hume’s theory of morality presents a position in ethics that character traits and motives are behind human action. he asserts that we are slaves of passion. Reason alone cannot be the basis of human activities. Hume believes that moral sentiments such as feelings and emotions are definitive of morals and strongly rejects ethical rationalism. This argument presents that moral judgments and evaluations are a product of moral sentiments and rejects the attribute of reason alone. The reason is only informative on good and bad deeds but does not motivate human action. This discussion will support Hume’s sentiments that reason alone cannot be a standard of morality. An example relates to how we care for our health. Every day we get information from the media and health practitioners that eating sugary and deep-fried foods is dangerous to our health. Unfortunately, people will continue eating these foods following their tastes, passions, and desires. Health information is subject to reason, and reason alone cannot impulse human activity. one has to develop a disciplined, healthy plan and indulge desire and passion for achieving the ultimate goal. Reason alone will not deter a person from killing; their emotional outbursts and feelings compel them to act. Human destructive decisions are a product of external influences, and reason alone cannot justify human action. Unfortunately, today, we justify our actions based on reason alone without considering our intuitions. Humans do not reason out what is right or wrong unless their intuitions are provoked. A person will not steal for no reason. The lack of essential commodities put people in controversy, compromising their morals. Hume succeeds in presenting one argument in different ways. However, in his sentiments, he does not entirely rule out the vital role of reason in moral judgments but complements it with moral sentiments. Most of Hume's assertions are ambiguous, and sometimes face out that, reason has no shred to influence ethical...