Books Quote by David Hume
““I cannot forbear adding to these reasonings an observation, which may, perhaps, be found of some importance. In every system of morality, which I have hitherto met with, I have always remark’d, that the author proceeds for some time in the ordinary way of reasoning, and establishes the being of a God, or makes observations concerning human affairs; when of a sudden I am surpriz’d to find, that instead of the usual copulations of propositions, is, and is not, I meet with no proposition that is not connected with an ought, or an ought not. This change is imperceptible; but is, however, of the last consequence.””
About This Quote
Source Book: A Treatise of Human Nature, 1739
Hume observes that moral reasoning shifts from factual propositions to value judgments, a subtle but profound change.
In simple terms: Moral arguments move from facts to values.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the role of values in moral debates.
Themes
morality
philosophy
reasoning
ethics
Mood
analytical
critical
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
theoretical
When to use this quote
- academic philosophy
- ethical education
- public policy discussion
Key Concepts
meta‑ethics
value theory
propositional logic
Questions to Reflect On
- Do moral truths depend on facts?
- Can values be derived from reason alone?
A Different Perspective
The claim assumes a clear split between facts and values, which some dispute.
![“As to the fragments of morality that are irregularly and thinly scattered in those books [the Bible], they make no part of this pretended thing, revealed religion. They are the natural dictates of conscience, and the bonds by which society is held together, and without which it cannot exist ; and…” quote by Thomas Paine](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/fa6/thomas-paine-267_bible_as-to-the-fragments-of-morality-that-are_964723.jpg)
