Argument Quote by David Hume
“But in many orders of beauty, particularly those of the finer arts, it is requisite to employ much reasoning, in order to feel the proper sentiment; and a false relish may frequently be corrected by argument and reflection. There are just grounds to conclude, that moral beauty partakes of this latter species, and demands the assistance of our intellectual faculties, in order to give it a suitable influence on the human mind.”
About This Quote
Source Book: An Enquiry Concerning the Human Understanding, 1748
Reason is needed to appreciate true moral beauty; intuition alone can be misleading, so intellectual reflection shapes proper sentiment.
In simple terms: Moral beauty requires thought, not just feeling.
Key Takeaway
Use reason to evaluate moral judgments.
Themes
ethics
beauty
reason
reflection
intellect
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- art criticism
- ethical decision making
- education
- personal growth
Key Concepts
moral philosophy
aesthetic judgment
Questions to Reflect On
- How does reason change your moral judgments?
- Can intuition and reason coexist?
A Different Perspective
Reason alone may not capture emotional nuance.
