Warmth in the cause of virtue
"Hume’s understanding of human nature was similar to Hutcheson’s, as were his dismissive views of earlier systems of morality and the ‘original contract’. Hume saw himself as a ‘metaphysician’ rather than ‘moralist’, however. In a letter of 1739 to Hutcheson, Hume sought to defend himself against the charge of insufficient ‘warmth in the cause of virtue’, arguing that ‘any warm sentiment of morals, I am afraid, would have the air of declamation amidst abstract reasonings.’" (Jonathan Conlin, Critical Lives-Adam Smith)
What does the emphasized phrase mean?
Top answer
alibey1917 What does the emphasized phrase mean? It is in quotation marks, so I have to suppose that it is from Hutcheson, a theologian and failed minister. It would help to see his context, but it seems to me that this "warmth" means ardor.
- alibey1917 What does the emphasized phrase mean?
- It is in quotation marks, so I have to suppose that it is from Hutcheson, a theologian and failed minister.
- It would help to see his context, but it seems to me that this "warmth" means ardor.
- Hutcheson wants Hume to champion virtue, to foster it enthusiastically as a cause, a crusade, if you will, seeing such conduct as the duty of a Christian gentleman, I guess.
- Hume remains coldly logical.
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alibey1917What does the emphasized phrase mean?
It is in quotation marks, so I have to suppose that it is from Hutcheson, a theologian and failed minister. It would help to see his context, but it seems to me that this "warmth" means ardor. Hutcheson wants Hume to champion virtue, to foster it enthusiastically as a cause, a crusade, if you will, seeing such
0Hutcheson viewed philosophy (Like Hume's "Treatise on Human Nature"), not as a cold, dispassionate exercise, but as having a practical function in understanding and advocating moral values. He was a devout Christian. He criticized Hume for not being more sentimental, to the end of promoting the virtues as taught by the church authorities.
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