The Role of Emotions in Humes Moral Philosophy

Hume’s Theory of Morality Student’s Name Institution Affiliation Instructor’s Name Course Number Date Hume's theory is famous for rejecting ethical rationalism, purporting those moral distinctions are not based on reason alone, and some other capacities influence moral decisions of human nature. Hume’s theory tries to define the relationship between morality and reason. Human beings have emotions and feelings, consequential to their moral thoughts and actions. According to (Strawson & Allais 2018), many philosophers believed in the rationalist concept of reason, alluding that human beings reason, which separates them from the natural world in making valid decisions. Reason and emotions are significant sentiments in Hume's theory of morality. Emotions are powerful and contribute to human action. Hume's theory responds to philosophers who believe in reason as the basis of moral distinctions. This essay will support Hume’s arguments sentiments of emotions as the foundation of morality rather than reason alone in making moral distinctions in society. Reason alone cannot be a standard of morality. Reason perpetuates both truth and falsehood. In his influence argument, Hume does not decline that reason cannot be a basis of moral evaluation. He is more specific in using “reason alone’ in moral distinctions. Human beings are rational and cannot solely be based on reason. They are voids of emotions and feelings that define their approach to evil and good. Hume believes in the practicality of moral beliefs in curbing human behavior (Whelan, 2017). S