Abstract
References to strength of mind, a character trait implying “the prevalence of the calm passions above the violent”, occur in a number of important discussions of motivation in the Treatise and the Enquiry concerning the Principles of Morals. Nevertheless, Hume says surprisingly little about what strength of mind is, or how it is achieved. This paper argues that Hume’s theory of the passions can provide an interesting and defensible account of strength of mind. The paper concludes with a brief comparison of Humean strength of mind with autonomy.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Baier A. (1991). A progress of sentiments. Cambridge MA, Harvard University Press
Hume D. (1964). A dissertation on the passions. In: Green T., Grose T. (Eds), Philosophical Works Vol 4. Aalen, Scientia Verlag, pp. 139–166
Hume D. (1998). In T. Beauchamp (Ed.), An Enquiry concerning the Principles of Morals. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Hume, D. (1975). In L.A. Selby-Bigge & P. Nidditch (Eds.), Enquiries Concerning Human Understanding and Concerning the Principles of Morals (3rd ed). Oxford: Clarendon Press.
Hume D. (2000). D. Norton & M. Norton (Eds), A Treatise of Human Nature. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Hume, D. (1978). In L.A. Selby-Bigge & P. Nidditch (Eds.), A Treatise of Human Nature (2nd ed). Oxford: Clarendon Press.
Hutcheson, F. (1728). An essay on the nature and conduct of the passions and affections. London.
McIntyre J. (1989). Personal identity and the passions. Journal of the History of Philosophy 27, 545–57
McIntyre J. (1990). Character: a Humean account. History of Philosophy Quarterly, 7, 193–206
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Mcintyre, J.L. Strength of mind: Prospects and problems for a Humean account. Synthese 152, 393–401 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11229-006-9005-4
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11229-006-9005-4