<P>... morality is determined by sentiment . It defines virtue to be whatever mental action or quality gives to a spectator the pleasing sentiment of approbation; and vice the contrary . (EPM, Appendix 1, ¶ 10) </P> <P> Hume puts forward sentimentalism as a foundation for ethics primarily as a meta - ethical theory about the epistemology of morality . Hume's sentimentalism is akin to the moral epistemology of intuitionism (although, of course, different in many respects). According to such a theory, one's epistemological access to moral truths is not primarily via an evidentially mediated faculty, such as reason . Rather, one's epistemological access is more direct . According to Hume, we know moral truths via our sentiments--our feelings of approval and disapproval . </P> <P> Hume's arguments against founding morality on reason are often now included in the category of moral anti-realist arguments . As Humean - inspired philosopher John Mackie suggests, for there to exist moral facts about the world, recognizable by reason and intrinsically motivating, they would have to be very queer facts . However, there is considerable debate among scholars as to Hume's status as a realist versus anti-realist . </P> <P> According to Hume, our sympathy - based sentiments can motivate us towards the pursuit of non-selfish ends, like the utility of others . For Hume, and for fellow sympathy - theorist Adam Smith, the term "sympathy" is meant to capture much more than concern for the suffering of others . Sympathy, for Hume, is a principle for the communication and sharing of sentiments, both positive and negative . In this sense, it is akin to what contemporary psychologists and philosophers call empathy . In developing this sympathy - based moral sentimentalism, Hume surpasses the divinely - implanted moral sense theory of his predecessor, Francis Hutcheson, by elaborating a naturalistic, moral psychological basis for the moral sense, in terms of the operation of sympathy . </P>

Hume an enquiry concerning the principles of morals summary