Single Idea 3919

[catalogued under 23. Ethics / D. Deontological Ethics / 6. Motivation for Duty]

Full Idea

Inference and conclusions of the understanding have no hold of the affections nor set in motion the active powers of man.

Gist of Idea

Conclusions of reason do not affect our emotions or decisions to act

Source

David Hume (Enquiry concerning Principles of Morals [1751], I.136)

Book Reference

Hume,David: 'Enquiries Conc. Human Understanding, Morals', ed/tr. Selby-Bigge/Nidditch [OUP 1975], p.172


A Reaction

I disagree. This is a typical empiricist separation of ideas from experience, of inner from outer, of analytic from synthetic.

Related Idea

Idea 17214 To act virtuously is to act rationally [Spinoza]