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Hume’s Challenge: Hume’s Theory of Promise

In: Adam Smith and the Wealth of Nations

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  • Daniel Diatkine

    (University of Paris-Saclay, Univ Evry)

Abstract

Smith attacks the mercantile system for is a partial system and that is why it can be dangerous. It is therefore necessary to understand what Smith means by “system” and “partiality” in Smith’s work. It requires a detour through the work of David Hume. This is a sensitive issue for two reasons: (1) Regarding justice as an artificial virtue (as Hume suggests), meant making a clean break with theories of natural law and the social contract. The heart of these artifices lies the necessity of keeping one’s promises. (2) For Hume, what is astonishing was not that we obey the law (in its most general sense) but that we actually want to obey the law.

Suggested Citation

  • Daniel Diatkine, 2021. "Hume’s Challenge: Hume’s Theory of Promise," Palgrave Studies in the History of Economic Thought, in: Adam Smith and the Wealth of Nations, chapter 0, pages 15-31, Palgrave Macmillan.
  • Handle: RePEc:pal:pshchp:978-3-030-81600-1_2
    DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-81600-1_2
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