Ideas from 'Enquiry concerning Principles of Morals' by David Hume [1751], by Theme Structure

[found in 'Enquiries Conc. Human Understanding, Morals' by Hume,David (ed/tr Selby-Bigge/Nidditch) [OUP 1975,0-19-824536-x]].

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22. Metaethics / B. Value / 2. Values / f. Altruism
The human heart has a natural concern for public good
23. Ethics / A. Egoism / 1. Ethical Egoism
No moral theory is of any use if it doesn't serve the interests of the individual concerned
23. Ethics / C. Virtue Theory / 1. Virtue Theory / a. Nature of virtue
Personal Merit is the possession of useful or agreeable mental qualities
23. Ethics / C. Virtue Theory / 3. Virtues / c. Justice
Justice only exists to support society
If we all naturally had everything we could ever desire, the virtue of justice would be irrelevant
23. Ethics / D. Deontological Ethics / 2. Duty
Moral philosophy aims to show us our duty
23. Ethics / D. Deontological Ethics / 6. Motivation for Duty
Conclusions of reason do not affect our emotions or decisions to act
23. Ethics / E. Utilitarianism / 1. Utilitarianism
Virtue just requires careful calculation and a preference for the greater happiness
23. Ethics / E. Utilitarianism / 3. Motivation for Altruism
No one would cause pain to a complete stranger who happened to be passing
Nature makes private affections come first, because public concerns are spread too thinly
24. Political Theory / B. Nature of a State / 1. Purpose of a State
The safety of the people is the supreme law
24. Political Theory / C. Ruling a State / 3. Government / a. Government
Society prefers helpful lies to harmful truth
25. Social Practice / B. Equalities / 4. Economic equality
If you equalise possessions, people's talents will make them unequal again