Hume, the Women’s Moral Theorist?

Abstract

Abstract In his brief autobiography, David Hume tells us that ‘as I took particu lar pleasure in the company of modest women, I had no reason to be displeased with the reception I met with from them.’ This double edged remark is typical of Hume’s references to women. Suggesting as it does that what pleased Hume was the women’s pleasure in his pleasure in their company, it both diminishes the significance of their welcome to him, since ‘whoever can find the means either by his services, his beauty, or his flattery to render himself useful or agreeable to us, is sure of our affections: and makes us wonder about the sources of his particular pleasure in their company.