David Hume Philosopher : on Political Society
- An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding
- on Liberty and Necessity
- on Miracles
- on Providence and a Furture State
- on the Academic or Sceptical Philosophy
- on the Reasoning of Animals
- Sceptical Doubts concerning the Operations of Understanding
- Sceptical Solution of these Doubts
- the Association of Ideas
- the Idea of Necessary Connection
- the Origin of Ideas
- An Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals
- on Benevolence
- on Justice
- on Political Society
- on Qualities Immediately Agreeable to Others
- why utility pleases
- on Qualities Immediately Agreeable to Ourselves
- on Qualities of Usefulness to Ourselves
SECTION IV: on Political Society
164-66. If everyone observed and persevered with justice and equity there would be no need for government or laws. They would be useless with everyone using his natural liberty for peace and harmony with others. But this is not the situation and governments must among themselves create Laws of Nations [International Law] for international justice with also the maintenance of laws protecting individuals. But if laws are not shown by experience to have influence, they are a waste of parchment. It is their usefulness that determines moral obligation.
167-71. Without the usefulness of fidelity, marriage agreements would not consider that virtue. Without its utility, its benefits to society, prying into private letters would not be blameworthy. Loyalty in friendships is required for the utility of trust. Even robbers have their need for regulations. Societies and clubs for various sports and games must have their varying rules. War, like sports of conflict -- wrestling and boxing -- must be regulated by fixed principles.
on Justice << >>on Qualities Immediately Agreeable to Others