A Treatise of Human Nature · Chapter
Section V: Some Farther Reflections Concerning the Natural Virtues explained
Hume extends his analysis of moral sentiments to the advantages of body and fortune, arguing that our approbation of these qualities arises from the same principles of sympathy and utility that govern our moral judgments.
What happens
Hume extends his analysis of moral sentiments to the advantages of body and fortune, arguing that our approbation of these qualities arises from the same principles of sympathy and utility that govern our moral judgments. He illustrates this with the example of 'good women's men' and the esteem for the rich, ultimately attributing our esteem to a direct sympathy with the pleasure and advantage the possessor receives. He also notes the flexibility of sentiments, which can vary in feeling despite similar sources.
Themes in this chapter
Sympathy and Social Influence
Hume argues that our esteem for bodily advantages and riches is largely due to sympathy with the possessor's pleasure or utility, extending the role of sympathy beyond moral virtues.
Artificial Virtues and Justice
This section continues the discussion of natural virtues, contrasting them with artificial ones, and shows how the same principles of sympathy and utility apply to natural advantages.
Characters to notice
- David Hume
Author and narrator, presenting reflections on the natural virtues.
Key passages
“It has been observed, in treating of the passions, that pride and humility, love and hatred, are excited by any advantages or disadvantages of the mind, body, or fortune; and that these advantages or disadvantages have that effect by producing a separate impression of pain or pleasure.”
We've noted that passions like pride and humility are triggered by qualities of mind, body, or possessions, which work by creating a distinct feeling of pain or pleasure.
Summarizes the connection between passions and external advantages.
“Here it is evident, that the ability of such a person to give enjoyment, is the real source of that love and esteem he meets with among the females; at the same time that the women, who love and esteem him, have no prospect of receiving that enjoyment themselves, and can only be affected by means of their sympathy with one, that has a commerce of love with him.”
The admiration for a man's sexual prowess comes from sympathy with the pleasure he can give to others, even if the admirer herself won't benefit directly.
Illustrates the role of sympathy in aesthetic and moral judgments.
“We consider him as a person capable of contributing to the happiness or enjoyment of his fellow-creatures, whose sentiments, with regard to him, we naturally embrace.”
We see the rich person as someone who can bring happiness to others, and we adopt the feelings of those who benefit from his wealth.
Explains why we esteem the rich through sympathy with their beneficiaries.