# Section IX: Of the Measures of Allegiance explained — A Treatise of Human Nature

> Chapter companion for A Treatise of Human Nature by David Hume.

## What happens

Hume examines the basis of political allegiance, arguing against the social contract theory while agreeing with its conclusion that resistance to egregious tyranny is justified. He grounds allegiance in self-interest—the security and protection provided by government—and explains that moral obligation arises from general rules, which can extend beyond their original reasons but admit exceptions in cases of extreme oppression.

## Themes in this chapter

### Custom and General Rules

Hume discusses how moral obligation to allegiance is influenced by general rules, which can extend beyond their original basis but allow exceptions in cases of tyranny.

### Artificial Virtues and Justice

The section explores the artificial nature of political obligation, rooted in public interest rather than natural virtue.

## Character check-ins

### David Hume

Author of the section, presenting his argument on allegiance and resistance.

## Key lines

> When men submit to the authority of others, it is to procure themselves some security against the wickedness and injustice of men, who are perpetually carried, by their unruly passions, and by their present and immediate interest, to the violation of all the laws of society.

People obey rulers to gain protection from the harmful actions of others, who are driven by their passions and immediate interests to break societal laws.

_Hume explains the natural motive for political submission._

> As interest, therefore, is the immediate sanction of government, the one can have no longer being than the other; and whenever the civil magistrate carries his oppression so far as to render his authority perfectly intolerable, we are no longer bound to submit to it.

Since government is justified by the interest it serves, when a ruler becomes so oppressive that his authority is unbearable, the obligation to obey ceases.

_Hume argues that the natural obligation to allegiance ends when the interest that grounds it is destroyed._

## Links

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