Comparison of Hume and Kant's Moral Theories

Paper Summary:

This paper explores the moral theories of philosophers David Hume and Immanuel Kant. Focusing mainly on the differences, the foundations of each man's moral philosophy is explored, and then the practical implications of each are also considered. This paper also illustrates how these differing theories of morality and its origins lead to the philosophers' conflicting concepts of morally acceptable conduct.

From the Paper:

"Hume begins his examination of morality by seeking to establish whether we derive moral principles from reason or sentiment, as he asks whether "we attain the knowledge of them by a chain of argument and induction, or by an immediate feeling and finer internal sense" (Hume 13). It seems plausible that morality could result from reason since we expect to agree about principles establishes by reason. We could not argue about moral issues if it was simply a matter of feeling, Hume contends, because "Truth is disputable; not taste...what each man feels within himself is the standard of sentiment" (14).
"However, Hume also examines the possibility of morality deriving from sentiment or feeling. One can see that reason alone does not make us feel love or hatred for something, and yet, moral considerations seem to rely heavily on these kinds of passions. Hume explains that reason cannot move us in this way, as he states, "But where the truths which they discover are indifferent, and beget no desire or aversion, they can have no influence on conduct and behavior" (15). Here, Hume seems to be caught between the two possibilities; both remain credible options. The question is thus put aside for future consideration."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Hume, David. An Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals. Indianapolis: Hackett, 1983.
• Kant, Immanuel. Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals. New York: Cambridge, 1997.

More papers on Comparison of Hume and Kant's Moral Theories:

• Comparison Essay # 97471 : "Hume and Kant"
• Comparison Essay # 124999 : "Hume and Kant on Justice"
• Comparison Essay # 10038 : "Utilitarianism" by John Stuart Mill"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: