An Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals Questions

Bring on the tough stuff - there’s not just one right answer.

  1. This text was written in the 1700s, but do you think it's still relevant? Is it dated in any ways or can you relate it to today's world?
  2. Why did Hume feel the need to write this Enquiry? What was original about it or set it apart from other philosophical theories?
  3. What's the empirical method and why did Hume choose it for his study?
  4. Do you agree with Hume's views on reason and sentiment when it comes to forming systems of morals? Do you feel that both factors are equally important or is one more important than the other?
  5. To what extent do you feel that our emotions and actions are based on selfishness? Can this vary from one situation to another?
  6. Is there a universal code of morals or does this depend on the time period/culture we're discussing?
  7. Can you think of any situations where individual desires clash with social responsibilities? How can we decide which of the two is more important?
  8. Do you feel that Hume's theory is a true reflection of how society works or do you have any quibbles with it?