An enquiry concerning the principles of morals

Name: An enquiry concerning the principles of morals
Author: David Hume

An enquiry concerning the principles of morals is a philosophical 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."

Why Read An enquiry concerning the principles of morals in 2026?

A 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.

Today's connection

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.