A Philosopher in his Closet

Canadian Journal of Philosophy 26 (2):231-255 (1996)
  Copy   BIBTEX

Abstract

When a man of business enters into life and action, he is more apt to consider the characters of men, as they have relation to his interest, than as they stand in themselves; and has his judgement warped on every occasion by the violence of his passion. When a philosopher contemplates characters and manners in his closet, the general abstract view of the objects leaves the mind so cold and unmoved, that the sentiments of nature have no room to play, and he scarce feels the difference between vice and virtue. History keeps in a just medium betwixt these extremes, and places the objects in their true point of view. The writers of history, as well as the readers, are sufficiently interested in the characters and events, to have a lively sentiment of blame or praise; and, at the same time, have no particular interest or concern to pervert their judgment.

Other Versions

No versions found

Links

PhilArchive



    Upload a copy of this work     Papers currently archived: 103,343

External links

Setup an account with your affiliations in order to access resources via your University's proxy server

Through your library

Analytics

Added to PP
2011-05-29

Downloads
119 (#186,429)

6 months
12 (#218,371)

Historical graph of downloads
How can I increase my downloads?

Author's Profile

Michael B. Gill
University of Arizona

Citations of this work

The Hume Literature, 1996.William E. Morris - 1997 - Hume Studies 23 (2):345-355.

Add more citations

References found in this work

Hume’s reply to the sensible knave.Gerald J. Postema - 1988 - History of Philosophy Quarterly 5 (1):23 - 40.

Add more references