Single Idea 23724

[catalogued under 20. Action / C. Motives for Action / 1. Acting on Desires]

Full Idea

There is a minor proviso to Hume's view, which is that desires are subject to rational criticism, but only insofar as they are based on beliefs that are subject to rational criticism.

Gist of Idea

A pure desire could be criticised if it were based on a false belief

Source

Michael Smith (The Moral Problem [1994], 1.3)

Book Reference

Smith,Michael: 'The Moral Problem' [Blackwell 1994], p.8


A Reaction

He says this is not a refutation of the basic Humean claim. He has in mind a desire such as to consume cyanide because you believe it will be good for you.

Related Idea

Idea 23723 In the Humean account, desires are not true/false, or subject to any rational criticism [Smith,M]