Hume’s Philosophy: Causality, Morality, and Substance
Chance, Cause, and Effect
Hume argues that the fundamental cause-effect relationship is significant only if we find its source in impressions. These include contiguity in space, priority in time due to constant succession of cause and effect.
Critique of General Definitions
Hume contends we lack knowledge of general definitions. The mind associates a single word with objects that appear similar enough to satisfy a need. We never perceive a general representation.
Concept of Substance
We have impressions of qualities, not of the things themselves. Substance is merely a name for qualities that appear together.
Substance of Mind
Hume posits that the thinking substance is a collection of impressions. We perceive ideas, not the mind itself.
Causality According to Hume
For Hume, causality is a mental construct based on habit and custom from repeated experiences. Habit forms our beliefs about the future, assuming past events will repeat.
Moral Emotivism
Hume places morality outside the realm of reason. Reason describes facts, but morality stems from sentiment. Approval or disapproval of actions arises from feelings associated with utility.
Habit and Custom
Habit or custom connects experiences separated in time. Memory links past and present, allowing us to live in a continuous present. Repeated experiences create habit.
Moral Text Analysis
Human feelings and inclinations determine moral or immoral actions. Actions producing good feelings are considered good. Feelings cannot be changed by will.
Morality, Feelings, and Promise
If morality is based on feelings beyond our will, promises have no place in Hume’s moral order.
Obligation in Emotivism
Obligation arises from painful or unpleasant actions. Delightful acts are considered virtues.
Hume and Mill
Hume’s moral emotivism can be compared to Mill’s utilitarianism. Both believe in human freedom, but Hume sees all actions as morally equal, while utilitarianism evaluates actions based on the “greatest good for the greatest number.”
Billiard Balls Example
Empiricism dictates that we cannot experience what hasn’t happened. Billiard balls cannot establish a cause-effect relationship between successive events. Causality is a mental construct guided by custom.
Induction
Past experience doesn’t allow us to bridge the gap between observed and unobserved. We have belief, not knowledge, of unseen things.
Comparison with Aristotle and Descartes
Hume is skeptical of universal concepts based on changing facts. Aristotle saw experience as the origin of ideas. Descartes’ innate ideas lack empirical basis for Hume.