Discover David Hume’s elegant investigation into morality, ‘An Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals’, and read the complete text online for free.
Published in 1751, An Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals is David Hume’s favorite of his own works and his definitive statement on moral philosophy. In this clear, accessible, and persuasively argued book, Hume sets out to discover the foundation of human morals through observation and reason, rather than abstract speculation. Rejecting the idea that morality is derived from divine command or a purely rational deduction, Hume grounds it firmly in human sentiment. He argues that our moral judgments spring from a universal feeling of approbation or disapprobation, a moral sense that is natural and social.
Hume systematically examines the qualities we call virtues—benevolence, justice, gratitude, prudence, and many others—and finds that what makes them praiseworthy is their utility (their tendency to promote the happiness and well-being of others) and their agreeableness (their pleasantness to the person who possesses them or to others). His analysis of justice as an artificial, but essential, virtue constructed by society to ensure stability is particularly brilliant. Written with a calm, conversational, and often witty style, this Enquiry is a landmark of the Scottish Enlightenment, offering a humane, secular, and empirically grounded theory of ethics that remains deeply influential.
On this page, you can engage with this cornerstone of moral philosophy. We offer the complete 1751 Enquiry for online reading.
Book Info
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Title | An Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals |
| Author | David Hume |
| Year of Publication | 1751 |
| Genre | Philosophy, Ethics, Moral Philosophy |
| Language | English |
| Legal Status | Public Domain |
| Format | Online Reading |
Read An Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals Online
Explore the foundation of right and wrong. Begin this illuminating philosophical work by exploring the first sections interactively below.
This preview introduces Hume’s project and his critique of rationalist ethics, but the full, systematic analysis of virtues like benevolence and justice is available in the complete text for our subscribers.
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About An Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals
Hume here presents the positive, constructive side of his philosophy, building an ethical system based on observation of human nature.
Sentiment over Reason
Hume’s famous dictum is that “Reason is, and ought only to be, the slave of the passions.” In morals, he argues reason can inform us of facts and relations, but the final moral judgment—the feeling of approval or blame—comes from a moral sentiment, a kind of pleasing feeling of humanity and benevolence.
Utility as a Key Principle
Hume is a crucial forerunner to utilitarianism. He demonstrates that the virtues we admire most, like benevolence and justice, are valued for their useful consequences to society and to individuals. This focus on social utility was revolutionary.
Justice as an Artificial Virtue
One of his most famous arguments. Unlike natural virtues like kindness, Hume argues justice is a human invention—an “artificial virtue”—created by convention to allow society to function. It is not innate, but its rules are absolutely necessary for communal life, and we approve of them because of their immense utility.
A Comprehensive Catalogue of Virtues
Hume provides a nuanced analysis of a wide range of character traits, from greatness of mind and dignity to cheerfulness and wit, showing how each earns our approval through utility or agreeableness.
A Calm, Persuasive Style
Hume considered this his best-written work. The tone is less skeptical and more constructive than the Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding, aiming to persuade the reasonable reader through examples and common-sense observation rather than metaphysical argument.
Why Read the Second Enquiry Today?
In debates about the origins of morality—whether it is divinely ordained, rationally derived, or biologically ingrained—Hume’s voice remains essential. His sentimentalist, utility-based approach provides a powerful, non-religious framework for understanding ethics that continues to underpin much of modern moral and political philosophy.
FAQ
Do I need to read his first Enquiry (on Human Understanding) first?
No, it stands alone. While his moral theory is consistent with his overall empiricism, this book presents its arguments independently. Reading the first Enquiry provides helpful background on his epistemology, but it is not required.
Is Hume a utilitarian?
He is a direct precursor. He makes “utility to society” the primary criterion for moral virtue, which Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill later developed into the principle of “the greatest happiness for the greatest number.” Hume, however, does not propose a rigid calculus of happiness.
What does he say about religion and morality?
He argues that morality does not require religious foundations. Our moral sense is natural and social. While he does not explicitly attack religion in this text, his entire system operates independently of it, which was a radical stance for his time.
Is his system convincing?
It is one of the most influential and enduring in Western philosophy. Its strength lies in its grounding in observable human psychology and social needs. Critics argue it may reduce morality to mere feeling or fail to account for moral obligations that seem to contradict utility.
Can I read it on my phone?
Yes. Its structure as a series of connected essays and its clear, examples-driven prose make it suitable for thoughtful, section-by-section reading on any device.