An Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals
An Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals, published in 1751, was the work David Hume considered the best of all his writings. Reworking the moral theory of his Treatise of Human Nature for a wider public, he argues that morality rests not on reason alone but on sentiment: we approve of qualities that are useful or agreeable to their possessor or to others. He examines benevolence and justice, showing that justice arises from its usefulness to society, considers why we admire courage, wit and cleanliness, and in a famous appendix explains how reason and feeling share the work of moral judgment. A closing dialogue explores how customs differ while the principles remain. The book is Hume at his clearest and most humane. It is available to read online in your browser on Vinteuil, with the first chapter free.
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Frequently asked questions about An Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals
An Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals by David Hume can be read online on Vinteuil, directly in your browser. The first chapter is free for everyone; the complete book is included in Vinteuil Reading ($4.99/month or $39.99/year) or yours forever for $2.99.
Can I read An Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals online?
Yes. An Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals opens right on this page, in a reader designed for long reading: adjustable text size, light, sepia and dark themes, a clickable table of contents and your place saved when you are signed in. No download or app is needed.
Is An Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals free to read on Vinteuil?
The first chapter of An Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals is free, without an account. To read the whole book, either buy its online reading for $2.99 (£2.99 in the UK) and keep it forever, or subscribe to Vinteuil Reading for $4.99/month (£4.99/month in the UK) or $39.99/year, with 1 month free for new subscribers. The subscription opens every book in the library and can be cancelled at any time.
Is An Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals in the public domain?
Yes. An Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals by David Hume is a public-domain work. Vinteuil offers a carefully prepared digital edition made for comfortable reading on screen.
How long does it take to read An Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals?
About 3 h 13 min of reading, at an average reading pace. Your place is saved automatically when you are signed in, so you can read in several sittings and on several devices.
What kind of book is An Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals?
An Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals by David Hume is filed under "Philosophy" in the Vinteuil library.
