An enquiry concerning the principles of morals Book download in PDF, ePub & Mobi
by David Hume
Philosophy Ethics Human nature Virtue Utility
An enquiry concerning the principles of morals is a philosophy work written by David Hume and first published in 1751.
"Disputes with Persons, pertinaciously obstinate in their Principles, are, of all others, the most irksome; except, perhaps, those with Persons, who really do not believe at all the Opinion they defend, but engage in the Controversy, from Affectation, from a Spirit of Opposition, or from a Desire of showing Wit and Ingenuity, superior to the rest of Mankind. The same blind Adherence to their own Arguments is to be expected[errata 1] in both; the same Contempt of their Antagonists; and the same passionate Vehemence, in inforcing Sophistry and Falshood. And as reasoning is not the Source, whence either Disputant derives his Tenets; 'tis in vain to expect, that any Logic, which speaks not to the Affections, will ever engage him to embrace sounder Principles."
#47 in Philosophy (this month)
Download this book
The An enquiry concerning the principles of morals book is available for download in PDF, ePUB and Mobi:
Copyright info
An enquiry concerning the principles of morals by David Hume is believed to be in the public domain in the United States only. It may still be copyrighted in other countries. If you are not in the United States, please check your local laws to ensure this eBook is in the public domain in your country before downloading An enquiry concerning the principles of morals in PDF or ePub.
WHY READ AN ENQUIRY CONCERNING THE PRINCIPLES OF MORALS IN 2025?
274 years later, still timelyA short, lucid book that asks a big, practical question: why do we call some actions virtuous? Hume's 'Enquiry' replaces thunder with clarity—sympathy, usefulness, character, and convention tested in ordinary cases. No system to memorize, no metaphysics to fear; just careful prose that turns moral talk into public reasoning. It is surprisingly modern, polite in its doubts, and built for readers who prefer examples to slogans.
Current debates about harm, benefit, and praise often talk past one another. The 'Enquiry' offers shared ground: start from human sentiments and social utility, then argue specifics. It suits product ethics, policy, and everyday decisions. Bring a pencil; the clearest lines feel fresh.
Sympathy and utility
Moral approval grows from felt concern and common good. That lens travels well.
Method over doctrine
Case studies, not commandments. The book models how to test a claim.
Style that invites
Plain, courteous prose makes hard topics discussable. Teachers love it; teams, too.
Perfect for
Share this book
About David Hume
Everyday empiricism and friendly rigor; essays that clean arguments about cause self and belief.
We have 5 books by David Hume in the AliceAndBooks library
