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Hume sees all governments as the result of a struggle between authority and liberty, with the best of them achieving a balance between the two by implementing systems of “general laws.” Hume’s cautious approach to social change may fairly be called conservative.
Aug 23, 2022 · He gave sustained attention to factionalism, religious and political extremism (what Hume termed “enthusiasm”), religious toleration, the origins and foundations of government, political authority, liberty, commerce, justice, and many other questions that are of central concern to political theorists.
Hume believes modern governments to be generally superior to ancient ones, but he tempers his praise with recognition of local modern failures and subversion of modern confidence in particular political principles, such as the balance of power.
Summary. M an, born in a family, is compelled to maintain society, from necessity, from natural inclination, and from habit. The same creature, in his farther progress, is engaged to establish political society, in order to administer justice; without which there can be no peace among them, nor safety, nor mutual intercourse.
By opinion of interest, I chiefly understand the sense of the general advantage which is reaped from government; together with the persuasion, that the particular government, which is established, is equally advantageous with any other that could easily be settled.
We have now examined the three major forms of government that Hume distinguishes: barbarous monarchy, civilized monarchy, and free government (with its two subdivisions, limited monarchy and republic).
This chapter discusses Hume's political theory. Topics covered include power, social order, government, justificatory theories of the state, contractarianism, public-goods theories, shared-value theories, rebellion, and international relations.
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