Freedom and Moral Sentiment: Hume's Way of Naturalizing Responsibility [Hardcover]

Paul Russell (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 28, 1995 | ISBN-10: 0195095014 | ISBN-13: 978-0195095012 | Edition: 1St Edition

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. Russell argues 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 free will 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 naturalistic avenue 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.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"There can be little doubt that the author is absolutely correct about the importance of seeing Hume's discussion...within the context of his naturalized and 'sentimentalized' theory of moral responsibility...An important and valuable work that should be welcomed by students of Hume and by anyone interested in issues of moral freedom and moral responsibility...The overall quality of both the exposition and the critical analysis is very high indeed."--Don Garrett, New York University

"Russell's book, which is the first full analysis of Hume's theories on this key theme, does justice to their complexity and systematic character, and by relating them to more recent debates shows us, once again, why Hume remains such a continual source of philosophical stimulus. It [Russell's book] is excellent, creative scholarship."--Terry Penelhum, Canadian Journal of Philosophy

"This book is a meticulous, wide-ranging reexamination of Hume's views on liberty, necessity and moral responsibility....Russell's account imbues Hume's texts with fresh significance and interest."--Ira Singer, Ethics

"...Russell's book makes an important contribution to the literature on Hume's moral philosophy."--Donald Ainslie, Philosophical Review

"...this noteworthy and provocative book...the interpretative and philosophical gains made by Russell's readings are considerable."--Kathleen Schmidt, Hume Studies

About the Author

Paul Russell is at University of British Columbia.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 216 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA; 1St Edition edition (December 28, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0195095014
• ISBN-13: 978-0195095012
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,689,549 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must read for traditional compatibilists, February 25, 1999

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This review is from: Freedom and Moral Sentiment: Hume's Way of Naturalizing Responsibility (Hardcover)

Russell makes a compelling case that the traditional compatiblist interpretation of Hume is mistaken, and that Hume's account of responsibility is part of his greater discussion of moral sentiments. In the end, Russell argues that Hume's position is closer to that of P.F. Strawson in "Freedom and Resentment" than it is to the traditional reading that Ayer, Mill, and Schlick give. Russell also gives an account of what implications Hume's theory has for a contemporary theory of responsibility.