A Treatise of Human Nature · Chapter
Section VI: Conclusion of This Book explained
In this concluding section, Hume summarizes his system of ethics, emphasizing that sympathy is the chief source of moral distinctions.
What happens
In this concluding section, Hume summarizes his system of ethics, emphasizing that sympathy is the chief source of moral distinctions. He argues that virtues are approved because of their utility to society or the individual, and that this approval is rooted in sympathy. He also addresses the artificial nature of justice, noting that while justice is a human invention, its moral sense is natural and immutable. Finally, he reflects on the role of the anatomist versus the painter, suggesting that abstract speculations about human nature serve practical morality.
Themes in this chapter
Sympathy and Social Influence
Hume argues that sympathy is the chief source of moral distinctions, as it allows us to approve of virtues that benefit society or the individual.
Artificial Virtues and Justice
Hume discusses justice as an artificial virtue, but insists that the sense of its morality is natural and immutable.
Morality as Sentiment
Hume concludes that moral distinctions arise from sentiment, specifically sympathy, rather than reason alone.
Characters to notice
- David Hume
Hume concludes his ethical system, asserting sympathy as the foundation of moral distinctions.
Key passages
“Thus upon the whole I am hopeful, that nothing is wanting to an accurate proof of this system of ethics.”
In summary, I believe that my ethical system is fully proven.
Hume expresses confidence in his comprehensive argument.
“Justice is certainly approved of for no other reason, than because it has a tendency to the public good: And the public good is indifferent to us, except so far as sympathy interests us in it.”
We approve of justice solely because it benefits society, and we care about society's good only through sympathy.
Hume ties justice to sympathy and public utility.
“The anatomist ought never to emulate the painter; nor in his accurate dissections and portraitures of the smaller parts of the human body, pretend to give his figures any graceful and engaging attitude or expression.”
The scientist should not try to be an artist; detailed analysis should not aim for aesthetic appeal.
Hume distinguishes between the scientific study of human nature and the art of moral persuasion.