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
3926
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The human heart has a natural concern for public good
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23. Ethics / A. Egoism / 1. Ethical Egoism
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No moral theory is of any use if it doesn't serve the interests of the individual concerned
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23. Ethics / C. Virtue Theory / 1. Virtue Theory / a. Nature of virtue
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Personal Merit is the possession of useful or agreeable mental qualities
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23. Ethics / C. Virtue Theory / 3. Virtues / c. Justice
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Justice only exists to support society
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If we all naturally had everything we could ever desire, the virtue of justice would be irrelevant
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23. Ethics / D. Deontological Ethics / 2. Duty
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Moral philosophy aims to show us our duty
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23. Ethics / D. Deontological Ethics / 6. Motivation for Duty
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Conclusions of reason do not affect our emotions or decisions to act
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23. Ethics / E. Utilitarianism / 1. Utilitarianism
3928
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Virtue just requires careful calculation and a preference for the greater happiness
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23. Ethics / E. Utilitarianism / 3. Motivation for Altruism
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No one would cause pain to a complete stranger who happened to be passing
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3924
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Nature makes private affections come first, because public concerns are spread too thinly
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24. Political Theory / B. Nature of a State / 1. Purpose of a State
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The safety of the people is the supreme law
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24. Political Theory / C. Ruling a State / 3. Government / a. Government
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Society prefers helpful lies to harmful truth
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25. Social Practice / B. Equalities / 4. Economic equality
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If you equalise possessions, people's talents will make them unequal again
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