About this item
Highlights
- Writing in an age that exalted reason, the Scottish-born skeptic David Hume was the first modern philosopher to emphasize the role of psychology, or "passion," in the formulation of moral judgments and ethical systems.
- About the Author: Alasdair MacIntyre is research professor of philosophy at the University of Notre Dame.
- 344 Pages
- Philosophy, Ethics & Moral Philosophy
Description
Book Synopsis
Writing in an age that exalted reason, the Scottish-born skeptic David Hume was the first modern philosopher to emphasize the role of psychology, or "passion," in the formulation of moral judgments and ethical systems. Included in this edition of his writings is the entire text of An Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals and selections from other works such as A Treatise on Human Nature and Dialogues Concerning Natural Religion.
Alasdair MacIntyre clarifies the relationship of Hume's intellect to his Calvinist background and cogently summarizes his importance to the development of moral philosophy.
Review Quotes
"In the introduction the reader is given a bacground and summary of Hume's influence on subsequent moral philosophy. Included is the entire text of An Enquiry Concerning the Principals of Morals and selections from other works such as A Treatise on Human Nature and Dialogues Concerning Natural Religion." -Cambridge Reviews
"MacIntyre's introduction eschews summarizing Hume's ethics (which some instructors might like), but he does give useful biographical and background material as well as discussion about how Hume is currently regarded. This book rivals the Hafner edition of Hume's Moral and Political Philosophy (New York: 1948)." --Reprint Bulletin Book Reviews
About the Author
Alasdair MacIntyre is research professor of philosophy at the University of Notre Dame. He is the author of numerous books, including After Virtue: A Study in Moral Theory, Third Edition, A Short History of Ethics, and Three Rival Versions of Moral Enquiry, all published by the University of Notre Dame Press.