A Treatise of Human Nature · Chapter
Section VIII: Of the Source of Allegiance explained
Hume argues that the obligation to obey government (allegiance) is not derived from any promise or contract, but rather from self-interest and the necessity of maintaining order in large societies.
What happens
Hume argues that the obligation to obey government (allegiance) is not derived from any promise or contract, but rather from self-interest and the necessity of maintaining order in large societies. He distinguishes between natural obligations (interest) and moral obligations (honour and conscience), showing that both are distinct for promises and allegiance. He contends that while government may initially be founded on promises, it quickly acquires its own independent authority based on the general and avowed interest in obedience to magistrates, which is necessary for the execution of justice and the preservation of society.
Themes in this chapter
Artificial Virtues and Justice
Hume argues that allegiance to government, like justice, is an artificial virtue derived from human conventions and self-interest, not from natural moral obligations.
Custom and General Rules
The obligation to obey government is based on general rules of interest that are avowed and prevalent in all times and places, similar to the rules of justice.
Characters to notice
- David Hume
Author of the Treatise, presenting his argument on the source of allegiance.
Key passages
“Our interest is always engaged on the side of obedience to magistracy; and there is nothing but a great present advantage, that can lead us to rebellion, by making us overlook the remote interest, which we have in the preserving of peace and order in society.”
We always have a self-interest in obeying the government, and only a short-term gain might tempt us to rebel, causing us to ignore the long-term benefits of social peace and order.
Hume emphasizes the role of self-interest in political obedience.
“But when men have observed, that though the rules of justice be sufficient to maintain any society, yet it is impossible for them, of themselves, to observe those rules, in large and polished societies; they establish government, as a new invention to attain their ends, and preserve the old, or procure new advantages, by a more strict execution of justice.”
When people realize that justice alone cannot be maintained in large societies, they invent government to enforce those rules and achieve their goals.
Hume explains the origin of government as a remedy for the inability to follow justice naturally.
“This conclusion, however, when carried so far as to comprehend government in all its ages and situations, is entirely erroneous; and I maintain, that though the duty of allegiance be at first grafted on the obligation of promises, and be for some time supported by that obligation, yet it quickly takes root of itself, and has an original obligation and authority, independent of all contracts.”
The idea that government is based solely on consent is wrong; while allegiance may start with a promise, it soon becomes an independent obligation based on its own merits.
Hume refutes the social contract theory, arguing that allegiance becomes self-sustaining.