In this book, Russell examines Hume's notion of free will and moral responsibility. It is widely held that Hume presents us with a classic statement of the "compatibilist" position--that freedom and responsibility can be reconciled with causation and, indeed, actually require it. Russell argues that this is a distortion of Hume's view, because it overlooks the crucial role of moral sentiment in Hume's picture of human nature. Hume was concerned to describe the regular mechanisms which generate moral sentiments such as responsibility, and Russell argues that his conception of free will must be interpreted within this naturalistic framework. He goes on to discuss Hume's views about the nature and character of moral sentiment; the extent to which we have control over our moral character; and the justification of punishment. Throughout, Russell argues that the naturalistic avenue of interpretation of Hume's thought, far from draining it of its contemporary interest and significance, reveals it to be of great relevance to the ongoing contemporary debate.

Paul Russell is the accomplished author of various works of both fiction and non-fiction, including several award-winning novels, anthologies, poems, short stories, essays, and book reviews. He attended Oberlin College and later studied at Cornell University, where he earned an M.F.A. in Creative Writing and a Ph.D. in English. Russell has taught English at Vassar College and the University of Exeter, and is a Professor of English at Vassar College. He lives in upstate New York.

Paul Russell's profile page

"Russell's book makes an important contribution to the literature on Hume's moral philosophy, especially in showing a breadth to his view that is sometimes obscured by too heavy a focus on his subjectivism. And Russell's discussion of Hume's relevance for contemporary debates over naturalism in ethics will be of interest to a wider philosophical audience."--The Philosophical Review

"...this noteworthy and provocative book...the interpretative and philosophical gains made by Russell's readings are considerable."--Kathleen Schmidt, Hume Studies

"This book is a meticulous, wide-ranging reexamination of Hume's views on liberty, necessity and moral responsibility....Russell's account imbues Hume's texts with fresh significance and interest."--Ira Singer, Ethics

"Russell's book, which is the first full analysis of Hume's theories on this key theme, does justice to their complexity and systematic character, and by relating them to more recent debates shows us, once again, why Hume remains such a continual source of philosophical stimulus. It [Russell's book] is excellent, creative scholarship."--Terry Penelhum, Canadian Journal of Philosophy

"There can be little doubt that the author is absolutely correct about the importance of seeing Hume's discussion...within the context of his naturalized and 'sentimentalized' theory of moral responsibility...An important and valuable work that should be welcomed by students of Hume and by anyone interested in issues of moral freedom and moral responsibility...The overall quality of both the exposition and the critical analysis is very high indeed."--Don Garrett, New York University

"...Russell's account imbues Hume's texts with fresh significance and interest....Russell gives us much to grapple with and learn from."--Ethics

"...Russell's book makes an important contribution to the literature on Hume's moral philosophy."--Donald Ainslie, Philosophical Review