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Introduction fragile freedoms : the global struggle for human rightsIn Steven Lecce, Neil McArthur & Arthur Schafer (eds.), Fragile Freedoms: The Global Struggle for Human Rights, Oup Usa. 2017.
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580We are about to see the emergence of religions devoted to the worship of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Such religions pose acute risks, both to their followers and to the public. We should require their creators, and governments, to acknowledge these risks and to manage them as best they can. However, these new religions cannot be stopped altogether, nor should we try to stop them if we could. We must accept that AI worship will become part of our culture, and we must learn to live with it. Inde…Read more
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33Relationships between university professors and students: Should they be banned?Ethics and Education 12 (2): 129-140. 2017.This article examines the question of whether universities and colleges should attempt to ban all student-faculty relationships, as many have tried to do. It argues that, because adults have a fundamental right to engage in intimate relationships without interference, supporters of relationship bans must meet a high standard in defending them. But outright bans on such relationships cannot meet this standard. Though the desire to create a secure environment for students is legitimate and importa…Read more
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Hume's Indissoluble Chain: Law, Commerce, and Sociability in David Hume's Political TheoryDissertation, University of Southern California. 2004.This dissertation offers an interpretation of David Hume's political and economic theory that challenges an accepted view this theory. According to this accepted view, Hume offers no positive criteria that maybe used to criticize existing institutions. Against this view, it is argued that Hume thinks that the best society will be one that promotes three distinct human ends---ends he calls industry, knowledge, and humanity. These are, respectively, the active pursuit of intellectual or sensual gr…Read more
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129Cosmopolitanism and Hume’s general point of viewEuropean Journal of Political Theory 13 (3): 321-340. 2014.Hume’s writings, taken as a whole, address a dazzlingly broad range of topics. I argue that they do so as part of a coherent and interesting philosophical programme. While Hume’s doctrine of the general point of view provides an attractive way of understanding the process of moral judgement, it raises the threat of parochialism – that is, it potentially makes us prey to the limitations and prejudices of our society. I show that Hume endorses what I call “engaged cosmopolitanism”, which provides …Read more
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1186Laws Not Men: Hume's Distinction between Barbarous and Civilized GovernmentHume Studies 31 (1): 123-144. 2005.In lieu of an abstract, here is a brief excerpt of the content:Hume Studies Volume 31, Number 1, April 2005, pp. 123-144 Laws Not Men: Hume's Distinction between Barbarous and Civilized Government NEIL McARTHUR 1. Introduction Hume uses the adjectives "civilized" and "barbarous" in a variety of ways, and in a variety of contexts. He employs them to describe individuals, societies, historical eras, and forms of government. These various uses are closely related. Hume thinks that cultural and poli…Read more
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26David Hume's legal theory: the significance of general lawsHistory of European Ideas 30 (2): 149-166. 2004.Hume is normally—and in my view, correctly—taken to be a legal conventionalist. However, the nature of Hume's conventionalism has not been well understood. Scholars have often interpreted David Hume as being largely indifferent to the specifics of the laws, so long as they accomplish their basic task of protecting people's property. I argue that this is not correct. Hume thinks certain systems of law will accomplish their purpose, of coordinating people's behaviour for the benefit of all, better…Read more
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19Laws Not Men: Hume’s Distinction between Barbarous and Civilized GovernmentHume Studies 31 (1): 123-144. 2005.Hume uses the adjectives “civilized” and “barbarous” in a variety of ways, and in a variety of contexts. He employs them to describe individuals, societies, historical eras, and forms of government. These various uses are closely related. Hume thinks that cultural and political development are intimately connected, and are mutually dependent. Civilized government goes together with civilized society. A wise ruler cannot emerge before “refinements have taken place” in the society at large and “sc…Read more
USC
Department Of Philosophy
Alumnus
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Areas of Interest
Philosophy of Law |
Social and Political Philosophy |
17th/18th Century Philosophy |