# Section X: Of the Objects of Allegiance explained — A Treatise of Human Nature

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

## What happens

Hume examines the principles that determine the legitimate objects of political allegiance, arguing that while resistance to supreme power may be justified in extreme cases, ordinary submission is necessary for social order. He identifies long possession, present possession, succession, and positive laws as the foundations of rightful authority, emphasizing that custom and general rules, rather than rational deliberation, guide our allegiance. He illustrates the complexity of succession disputes with historical examples and discusses the right of resistance in mixed governments, concluding that the determination of lawful magistrates is ultimately based on general interests and the preservation of peace.

## Themes in this chapter

### Custom and General Rules

Hume emphasizes that custom and general rules, rather than rational calculation, determine the objects of allegiance and the stability of possession.

### Artificial Virtues and Justice

The discussion of government as a human invention for mutual advantage and the role of general rules in assigning authority reflects the artificial nature of political obligations.

### Sympathy and Social Influence

The influence of long possession and custom on the sentiments of loyalty and obligation demonstrates how social sympathy shapes moral judgments.

## Character check-ins

### David Hume

Author of the Treatise, presenting his philosophical analysis of political allegiance and the principles of government.

### Germanicus

Mentioned in a hypothetical succession dispute with Drusus, illustrating the perplexity of determining rightful heirs.

### Julius Caesar

Referenced indirectly through the Roman context of succession and usurpation, as an example of political power.

### Alexander

Not explicitly mentioned in this section, but his conquests are part of the historical context of usurpation and long possession.

## Key lines

> But when these titles are mingled and opposed in different degrees, they often occasion perplexity; and are less capable of solution from the arguments of lawyers and philosophers, than from the swords of the soldiery.

When different claims to sovereignty conflict, they create confusion that cannot be resolved by legal or philosophical reasoning, but only by force of arms.

_Hume highlights the inadequacy of rational deliberation in resolving political disputes, favoring practical power._

> Time alone gives solidity to their right; and operating gradually on the minds of men, reconciles them to any authority, and makes it seem just and reasonable.

Only the passage of time can legitimize a government's authority, gradually accustoming people to accept it as just.

_Custom and habit are central to Hume's account of political legitimacy._

> It is interest which gives the general instinct; but it is custom which gives the particular direction.

Our general inclination to obey is driven by self-interest, but custom determines which specific authority we obey.

_Hume distinguishes between the general motive for submission and the specific object of allegiance._

## Links

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