more on this theme | more from this thinker
Full Idea
Were you to preach in most parts of the world that political connections are founded altogether on voluntary consent or a mutual promise, the magistrate would soon imprison you as seditious for loosening the ties of obedience.
Gist of Idea
The idea that society rests on consent or promises undermines obedience
Source
David Hume (Of the original contract [1741], p.278)
Book Ref
Hume,David: 'Selected Essays' [OUP 1996], p.278
A Reaction
He cites obedience as the prime civic virtue, because the law can't operate without it. He doesn't seem to consider the limiting cases of obedience, which makes him essentially a conservative.
21099 | People must have agreed to authority, because they are naturally equal, prior to education [Hume] |
21100 | The idea that society rests on consent or promises undermines obedience [Hume] |
20495 | We no more give 'tacit assent' to the state than a passenger carried on board a ship while asleep [Hume] |
6703 | Poor people lack the knowledge or wealth to move to a different state [Hume] |
21101 | The people would be amazed to learn that government arises from their consent [Hume] |
21102 | We all know that the history of property is founded on injustices [Hume] |
21103 | Moral questions can only be decided by common opinion [Hume] |