180014 PS Sentiment, Sympathy and the Common Point of View (2011S)

In celebration of the tercentenary of David Hume's birth, this course will introduce students to an in-depth study of Book III of Hume's Treatise of Human Nature (Of Morals) [1739]. The aim is to gain a critical understanding of Hume's thoughts on key topics in the moral and political philosophy of the Scottish Enlightenment. These include: the relationship between morality and sentiment; the nature and origin of justice; the duty of promise-keeping; the duty of political allegiance; the right of resistance; and the role of sympathy in moral judgement. In addition to preparing students for serious reflection on these themes, this course will serve as an introduction to the methods required for the study of historical philosophical works.