Combining Philosophers

Ideas for Rescher,N/Oppenheim,P, Weisberg/Needham/Hendry and David Hume

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3 ideas

22. Metaethics / A. Ethics Foundations / 1. Nature of Ethics / g. Moral responsibility
2225 If you deny all necessity and causation, then our character is not responsible for our crime [Hume]
     Full Idea: According to the principle which denies necessity, and consequently causes, a man is pure and unattainted after having committed the most horrid of crimes, since his actions are not derived from his character.
     From: David Hume (Enquiry Conc Human Understanding [1748], VIII.I.76)
     A reaction: The idea that responsibility involves actions which are 'derived from his character' strikes me as good. Once you give up free will, it is almost the only sensible way to go.
2226 Repentance gets rid of guilt, which shows that responsibility arose from the criminal principles in the mind [Hume]
     Full Idea: Repentance and reformation can wipe off every crime, but that is because criminal acts prove criminal principles in the mind, so alteration of these principles removes that proof, and the acts cease to be criminal.
     From: David Hume (Enquiry Conc Human Understanding [1748], VIII.I.76)
     A reaction: A bit overstated, because a heinous crime will always taint our impression of someone's character. The person may cease to be criminal, but surely not the original acts?
22. Metaethics / A. Ethics Foundations / 2. Source of Ethics / h. Expressivism
22382 We cannot discover vice by studying a wilful murder; that only arises from our own feelings [Hume]
     Full Idea: Examine wilful murder and see if you can find the matter of fact called vice. You only find certain passions, motives, volitions and thoughts. There is no matter of fact in the case. You can never find it till you turn your reflexion into your own breast.
     From: David Hume (Treatise of Human Nature [1739], III.I.2), quoted by Philippa Foot - Hume on Moral Judgement p.77
     A reaction: [...In you breast you find 'disapprobation'] The question Foot asks is whether the facts of the case are relevant to the disapprobation. If they are not, as Hume implies, then it would be rational to feel the same disapprobation about drinking coffee.