A Critique of Hume’s Ethical Empiricism: Towards Addressing Ethical Dilemmas in Making Moral Choices

Abstract

This paper: "A Critique of Hume's Ethical Empiricism: Towards Addressing Ethical Dilemmas in Making Moral Choices" was written to investigate the nature of Hume's ethical theory. Hume proposed an ethical theory that is not centered on human nature. By this, it means that his moral theory was not built on that which is common to all rational beings (reason). Hume's projection of an ethical theory that is not founded on reason and his subscription to ethical relativism (ethics based on feeling, emotion, or situation) has generated a lot of discourse. This paper used the methods of rational speculation, critical analysis, and evaluation to review Hume's ethical empiricism critically to articulate its merits and demerits.