Politics and Virtue in Hume

Authors : Zeynel KILINÇ

Pages : 109-127

Doi:10.11616/AbantSbe.222

View : 20 | Download : 27

Publication Date : 2008-05-01

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :It is a widely held conviction in Humean literature that, for Hume, institutions and good laws are primary in securing peace and order rather than morality or a virtuous body of citizenry in a society. This conviction partly relies on Hume?s rejection of the classical republican idea of virtue which considers institutions as well as a virtuous body of citizenry as essential for politics. Although Hume rejects the classical set of virtues as inhumane, obsolete, and impractical for the newly emerging modern society, this should not lead us to see Hume?s politics as wholly untouched by any idea of virtue. Rather, Hume advocates a new set of virtues that he thinks will suit the needs of the modern era. A comprehensive analysis of Hume?s politics would reveal that Hume considers a virtuous body of citizenry as significant as institutions and good laws in politics.
Keywords : David Hume, Virtue, Institutions, Classical Republicanism, Politics