The Relation of Property and Justice in Hume

Abstract

In this paper, I analyse the theories of David Hume concerning property, concentrating on the criticism conceived against John Locke. I shall argue that Hume’s concept was not simply a refutation of Locke, but also a unique, modernized version of the original doctrines. In the first part of my essay, I demonstrate why Hume’s theory of passions provides significant help in understanding his political philosophy. In the second part, I review the most important similarities and differences between their ideas of property. In the third part, I draw out the groundings of Hume’s economic theses, which were ahead of their time.