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Thomas More

Their disagreement over private property is important, but even more fundamental is their divergence in moral values and in what principles should underlie our system of justice. As mentioned above, Hume would deny the existence of moral values that most believe in. Although both thinkers aim to create systems they believe are best for society and for human flourishing, More’s humanist perspective, grounded in moral principles, would fundamentally reject Hume’s “perfect” system, mainly because it includes inequality. On the other hand, Hume would argue that “morality” arises from human psychology and is just a social convention; hence, as the political order arises naturally, then we can not “perfect” the system without inequality, as it would be natural for humans to have such. 

It is obvious that both Thomas More and David Hume, have played a majour role in the development of one of the most influential ideas in the history of world. They were both very intellectual philosophers, with high education and experiancne of world. However ther disagreement in human nature and human understanding, leading their disagreement about moral values, and hence ending with fully different world views, is an interesting example of how important the fundamental topics like humans nature and understanding are to get the clear socio-economical structure that will lead the best outcome for society.

It is clear that both Thomas More and David Hume played a major role in shaping some of the most influential ideas in world intellectual history. Both were highly educated, deeply thoughtful philosophers with significant experience of the world. Yet, their fundamental disagreements about human nature and human understanding led to contrasting views on moral values, which in turn produced strikingly different worldviews. Their divergence serves as a compelling example of how essential questions about human nature and knowledge are in determining the social and economic structures that can best promote the flourishing of society.

Thomas More

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