Hume, I think I like you

I have been out with the flu this past week so sadly I was unable to take part in the class discussions. However, after reading some of these blog posts I think I have a good idea of what was discussed in class. I think that something which interested me were Hume’s three rules. First, that moral sentiments are found in all men. I would have to agree with this. I mean I do not believe that there are people out there who are entirely evil, and are on earth to cause nothing but destruction. Even those who have committed terrible crimes must have some virtues, or have done some nice things in their lives. Second, that people praise and blame the same actions. I think this is completely true. An argument can be made for basically anything, and I feel that while most would blame one act there would be those out there who could make a logical argument for why it should be praised. Even something as terrible as murder, I will bet anyone that there would be an intelligent person out there who could make an argument for why it was not a bad thing. Maybe not good, but surly not bad. And then there are the little acts that occur in everyday life, such as someone holding the door for someone else. While most people would think such an action is kind and selfless, I know that there are others who would not praise this. They would argue that at the root of the action is personal gain and such an act should not receive credit. Also, the act of cheating: I have heard countless times the cheating is wrong and no one should ever do it. However I have also been told that if you are not cheating, you're not trying. Heck I think that is the motto of the New England Patriots. But back to the topic at hand, these are just several scenarios supporting rule number two. Rule number three, which states that praise and blame are not derived from self love. This last rule I feel is difficult to tackle because I am not sure I completely understand it. However, from what I see praise and blame are rational ideas and should not derived from self love. They should come from morals and ideas of the mind, not the heart.

I like these rules, and think that I relate with Hume more than any of the others we have read from thus far. He seems to have an open mind, and that human acts should be put into context and can be looked at from several different viewpoints. I also think that one can never really know the reasons behind another’s actions. It is impossible, you can't get inside their head and know their thought process nor can you know their past well enough to fully understand what has led them to where they are. Everything is up for argument and interpretation. I think Hume more than the others has fallen somewhere on this idea.