

Episode #051 ... David Hume pt. 1
82 snips Feb 25, 2015
Dive into the intriguing world of David Hume as key concepts like the ‘is’ versus ‘ought’ distinction are unpacked. Discover why confusing these can lead to philosophical pitfalls. Explore Hume’s views on the limitations of science in ethical discussions, with a surprising twist on what should guide our morals instead of religion. Finally, rethink your understanding of causality, especially how it relates to everything from philosophy to everyday activities like playing pool. Prepare for a thought-provoking journey!
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Is-Ought Problem
- Hume's is-ought problem highlights the fallacy of deriving what should be from what is.
- People often base moral judgments on observations, but this is logically flawed.
Is-Ought Fallacy Examples
- Hume uses examples like slavery and women's roles to illustrate the is-ought fallacy's dangers.
- These examples show how flawed observations can lead to harmful societal norms.
Science's Limitations
- Science excels at describing the universe (what is) but cannot prescribe actions (what ought).
- Ethical considerations fall outside science's scope.