Hume and Practical Rationality: The World vs. The Scratching of Hume's Finger (Part Deux)

On The Very Idea - A Philosophy Podcast

In this final installment of a two part episode on David Hume and practical rationality, I examine Hume's quote "It is not contrary to reason to prefer the destruction of the whole world to the scratching of my finger”. Sounds selfish. However, British philosopher Peter Railton claims that this famous line is often misunderstood. According to Railton, this quote is often rashly interpreted as meaning that reason can tell us absolutely nothing about morality. A more accurate reading of Hume's work in Railton's eyes will show that reason has a rather robust role to play in Hume’s determination of moral conduct. Reason can indeed help us separate the moral from the immoral, yet with the caveat that reason alone cannot do such things. Culture and natural human sentiment must be paired with it. I also talk about how this renewed understanding of Hume's moral framework perhaps has explanatory advantages over other challengers. I'm looking at you, Kant.