The Significance of Humes Moral Theory in Contemporary Society

Abstract

Instructor’s Name Hume’s theory of morality is a stepping stone for contemporary philosophers on the contexts of moral evaluation, moral psychology, and the virtue of ethics. It is a basis of various distinctive philosophical positions. Hume rejects the rationalist view of morality based on reason. He contends that moral valuations are attributed to sentiments such as feelings and emotions. According to (Hardin 2009), Hume asserts that there is a strong connection between morality and human sociability. Human actions are not a product of reason alone. Hume alludes that there exist natural and artificial virtues. The artificial virtues are grounded on religion and divine nature while the natural values emanate from the observation of human nature. Hume attacks various philosophers on the conception that reason alone is the basis of humanity and reason alone separates human beings from the natural world. Hume does not dispute the fact that reason is needed in moral evaluations (Prinz 2011). He insists on’ reason alone’. Society bases its arguments based on their desires, goals, feelings, and passions. Sentiments define human beings. Reason is like a set of rules that are true and fundamental in society but enacting it proves difficult for human beings. This essay will analyze the significance of Hume’s theory of morality on moral evaluations in society today. The understanding of right and wrong cannot be based on reason alone. Hume believes that in making moral judgements we must considers all aspects relating to the situation including reason and the moral judgments are not possible without our feelings and sentiments. Hume claims that reason is a slave of the passions (Buckles, 2012). Reason alone is not enough for Christians to go to church every day. They have a feeling and desire for something. Our ultimate goals as humans are not based on reason. Human beings understand that eating sugary foods risks health issues but they will continue eating. Reason prompts action. A person will do tedious calculation when ascertain a debt he owes somebody just because there is an ultimate goal for the action; settling his debt. The reason to commit to something, is due to a demand for the intuition. Often human beings let passion defeat reason. Hume denies that reason alone cannot be used in denying or motivating behaviour (Smith 2003). Our motivation to justice must derive from our nature. Its agonizing that humans follow rules that do not align to their personal interests. This analogy claims that humans seek justice in the hands of an institution that bases on reason to makes its judgements. Suppose an individual commits murder, the quest for justice will be difficult for him. The society has moral norms and sets the limits of morality based on reason. There is an impulse, force, or a feeling that pushed the person to commit an act of murder. Suppose a person hits you hard for no reason, and through anger and fury, one revenges and death occurs. The murder will face the knives of justice yet his moral intentions were bare. H e was acting due to self-defense. The chances that he or she will be left unscathed in the courts is minimal. In our daily lives, reason alone cannot be used in pushing our goals. Reason needs a supporting force and impulse to execute it. the society reminds its people on maintain good health by doing regular exercise, and eating healthy foods such as foods and vegetables. This analogy is mere reason and humans need passion and feelings to enact these beliefs. Its easier to say that junk and...