Question

Which philosopher taught that it is emotion, not reason, which gives humans the desire to be moral?

Answer 1

David Hume is the philosopher who posited that it is emotion, not reason, that inspires humans to be moral. Hume emphasized feelings and sentiments as the basis for morality rather than rational deductions. Other philosophies, like virtue ethics, support the idea that moral sentiments are crucial for ethical behavior.

Step-by-step explanation:

The philosopher who taught that emotion, rather than reason, gives humans the desire to be moral was David Hume. Hume believed that our moral decisions are based on our feelings and sentiments, rather than on factual reasoning or empirical evidence. According to Hume, morality is about what we feel is right or wrong, which does not necessarily align with facts or rational deductions.

Other philosophical movements such as virtue ethics also emphasize character and the development of moral sentiments like compassion and empathy. Philosophers like Mencius and Confucius discussed the role of these innate feelings and virtues in ethical conduct. Meanwhile, evolutionists considered the role of sympathy and the social instincts in the development of morality.

Alternative philosophical approaches to ethics, such as utilitarianism by Mill and deontology by Kant, suggest different bases for morality. Kant, in particular, argued that pure reason can identify ethical codes applicable universally, known as categorical imperatives. However, criticisms arise against these models for their perceived simplicity and reduction of morality to strict rules or the pursuit of happiness.

Answer 2

David Hume, a philosopher, taught that human desire to be moral is derived from emotion, not reason.

Step-by-step explanation:

David Hume, a philosopher, taught that it is emotion, not reason, which gives humans the desire to be moral. He argued that morality is based on sentiments and feelings, rather than facts. Hume believed that beliefs and feelings cannot be derived from facts and that morality is a matter of expressing our sentiments about a certain issue.