The Age of Reason

 

David Hume (1711-1766)

(Readings: Essays – Of the First Principles of Government

Treatise of Human Nature – Of Love of Fame)

• The most important precursor of the Scottish Enlightened School,
• Brought up in a Calvinistic Environment,
• He turned later in his life against the Church,
• Professor of Philosophy at the University of Glasgow.

Treatise of Human Nature

• “Nothing appears more surprising to those who consider human affairs with a philosophical eye, than the easiness with which many are governed by the few: and the implicit submission, with which men resign their own sentiments and passions to those of their rulers.”
• “When we inquire by what means this wonder is effected, we shall find that the governors have nothing to support them but opinion. It is, therefore, on opinion only that government is founded; and this maxim extends to the most despotic and most military governments, as well as to the most free and most popular.”
• “But besides these original causes of pride, there is a secondary one in the opinions of others, which has an equal influence on the affections. Our reputation, our character, our name are considerations of vast weight and importance; the other causes of pride, virtue, beauty and riches have little importance, when not seconded by the opinions and sentiments of others … even men of the greatest judgment and understanding find it very difficult to follow their own reason or inclination, in opposition to that of their friends and daily companions.”
• “A desire of fame, reputation, or a character with others, is so far for being blamable, that it seems inseparable from virtue, genius, capacity, and a generous and noble disposition. An attention even to trivial matters, in order to please, is also expected and demanded by society.”

Jean Jacques Rousseau (1712-1778)

(Readings: The Censorship / Types of Legislation)

The Social Contract

• “Laws are nothing but authentic acts of the general will (la volonté générale).”
• “The censorship preserves manners and morals by preventing opinions from growing corrupt, by preserving their rectitude through wise applications.”

Julie, or the New Heloise

• “In what is called honor I differentiate that which is the result of public opinion and that which is to be regarded as the consequence of self esteem. The first consist of empty prejudices, which are as changeable as the tossing waves.”

Emile

• “And if the whole earth should reproach us, what then? We do not strive for public recognition; thy happiness suffices us”