Thanks for your thoughtful essay on one of the most profound thinkers of our civilization. I agree with your comment
many concluded that the footnote exposed Hume’s claims to greatness as hollow, and that his whole philosophy was tainted by racist, imperialist assumptions—hence a successful campaign to have the University of Edinburgh’s…
Thanks for your thoughtful essay on one of the most profound thinkers of our civilization. I agree with your comment
many concluded that the footnote exposed Hume’s claims to greatness as hollow, and that his whole philosophy was tainted by racist, imperialist assumptions—hence a successful campaign to have the University of Edinburgh’s David Hume Tower renamed. Though this indignation is understandable when the sentiments he expressed are so evidently rebarbative to us today, it can reveal a kind of moral arrogance on the part of the protestors, a complacent assumption that no decent person could ever possibly have expressed such sentiments
Hume's racial observations were poorly-substantiated perhaps even for his time, and reflected a world-view we now find obnoxious, repellent, and dangerous. As you rightly say, contemporary indignation ignores the passage of time and changes in knowledge and values. But you say "it can reveal a kind of moral arrogance," rather than "it reveals..." which to my mind is closer to the truth.
I'm appalled by the successful "cancellation" of Hume Tower by these self-righteous protestors. Perhaps your essay was largely directed at this issue? If so, its circumspect phrasing borders on self-censorship. I don't think things have gotten as crazy in the UK as in US academic circles, but perhaps it's going in that direction.
Thanks for your thoughtful essay on one of the most profound thinkers of our civilization. I agree with your comment
many concluded that the footnote exposed Hume’s claims to greatness as hollow, and that his whole philosophy was tainted by racist, imperialist assumptions—hence a successful campaign to have the University of Edinburgh’s David Hume Tower renamed. Though this indignation is understandable when the sentiments he expressed are so evidently rebarbative to us today, it can reveal a kind of moral arrogance on the part of the protestors, a complacent assumption that no decent person could ever possibly have expressed such sentiments
Hume's racial observations were poorly-substantiated perhaps even for his time, and reflected a world-view we now find obnoxious, repellent, and dangerous. As you rightly say, contemporary indignation ignores the passage of time and changes in knowledge and values. But you say "it can reveal a kind of moral arrogance," rather than "it reveals..." which to my mind is closer to the truth.
I'm appalled by the successful "cancellation" of Hume Tower by these self-righteous protestors. Perhaps your essay was largely directed at this issue? If so, its circumspect phrasing borders on self-censorship. I don't think things have gotten as crazy in the UK as in US academic circles, but perhaps it's going in that direction.