Page:An Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals - Hume (1751).djvu/211



the foregoing Hypothesis be receiv'd, 'twill now be easy for us to determine the Question first stated, concerning the general Principles of Morals; and tho' we postpon'd the Decision of that Question, lest it should then involve us in intricate Speculations, which are totally unfit for moral Discourses, we may resume it at present, and examine how far either Reason or Sentiment enters into all moral Determinations.

chief Foundation of moral Praise being suppos'd to lie in the Usefulness of any Quality or Action; 'tis evident, that Reason must enter for a considerable Share in all Determinations of this Kind; since nothing but that Faculty can instruct us in the Tendency of Qualities and Actions, and point