Max McLaughlin
Master of Arts degree student
Department of Philosophy, UNR
"Hume's Theory of Human Nature: A Mild Tragedy"
Wednesday, November 30, 2011, 4:00 p.m.
Edmund J. Cain Hall (EJCH) 108H
University of Nevada, Reno
In the history of philosophy, it is common for philosophers to reject thinking based on custom—from habits and education—as it is seen to be variable between different individuals and groups, thus leading to conflict and confusion. Instead, philosophers such as Plato and Descartes prefer thinking that is based on a faculty of reason or intellect, which appeals to universal truths. David Hume, however, argues that all thinking is based on custom, including what we call reason, though he does not deny that custom produces negative effects that lead to confused thought. For him, this inherent confusion makes the human condition “whimsical”, but I argue that it is worse. As Hume explains, tyrants and knaves are able to take advantage of custom’s negative effects in order to commit their crimes and cause people pain. Though we are able to counter some of their actions through reflection and re-observance of reality, this is not enough to avoid the pain brought upon us by these criminals. In this paper, I argue that, based on these observations, Hume’s theory of human nature is a mild tragedy, where the principle by which we are able to think—custom—also leads to painful circumstances, softened only slightly by reflection and review.
Please join in supporting Max as he shares some of his formal MA Thesis.
The GPA invites audience members to Silver Peak Grill and Taproom (downtown Reno) for appetizers, celebration, and socializing immediately following the event.
Sponsored by: The Graduate Philosophy Association and the Graduate Student Association at the University of Nevada Reno
Free and open to the public