Freedom and Moral Sentiment Hume's Way of Naturalizing Responsibility

Author/creator Russell, Paul Author
Format Electronic
Publication InfoNew York : Oxford University Press, Incorporated
Description216 p. 09.100 x 06.000 in.
Supplemental ContentFull text available from eBooks on EBSCOhost
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Summary Annotation In this book, Russell examines Hume's notion of free will and moral responsibility. It is widely held that Hume presents us with a classic statement of the "compatibilist" position--that freedom and responsibility can be reconciled with causation and, indeed, actually require it. Russellargues that this is a distortion of Hume's view, because it overlooks the crucial role of moral sentiment in Hume's picture of human nature. Hume was concerned to describe the regular mechanisms which generate moral sentiments such as responsibility, and Russell argues that his conception of freewill must be interpreted within this naturalistic framework. He goes on to discuss Hume's views about the nature and character of moral sentiment; the extent to which we have control over our moral character; and the justification of punishment. Throughout, Russell argues that the naturalisticavenue of interpretation of Hume's thought, far from draining it of its contemporary interest and significance, reveals it to be of great relevance to the ongoing contemporary debate.
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Technical detailsMode of access: World Wide Web
Genre/formElectronic books.
ISBN9780195152906
ISBN0195152905 (Trade Paper) On Demand
Standard identifier# 9780195152906
Stock number00020142

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