Lovers or Masters? – On David Hume, Women and Marriages

https://doi.org/10.25100/pfilosofica.v0i61S.14299

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Published: Jun 5, 2025
Issue: No. 61S (2025): Praxis Filosófica No. 61 Supplement: Hume and the Feminine. Towards a New Philosophical Narrative
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Authors

  Marcos Balieiro Universidade Federal de Sergipe, Sergipe, Brasil.
Abstract

The aim is to analyze how David Hume established his views on marriage, which are understood as a practice typical of the Europe of his time. Firstly, we will present his considerations on the subject in the essay Of Polygamy and Divorces. Next, it will be argued that the favorable way in which the philosopher refers to this institution is inseparable from his views on polite sociability, which, for him, is inseparable from gallantry. Finally, taking into account texts by Mary Astell and Sarah Chapone, an effort will be made to show that Hume's theses on marriage might be considered, even in the 18th century, to be dangerously unfavorable to women, considering what women authors wrote on the subject.

Keywords
  • 18th century
  • Marriage
  • Women
  • Politeness
  • Gallantry
Author Biography

Marcos Balieiro, Universidade Federal de Sergipe, Sergipe, Brasil.

Doutor em Filosofia pela Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Professor do Departamento de Filosofia e do Programa de Pós-Graduação em Filosofia da Universidade Federal de Sergipe (UFS). Integrante da Associação Brasileira de Estudos do Século XVIII (ABES18) do Grupo Hume, do Grupo de Ética e Filosofia Política e do Viva Vox. Membro do núcleo de sustentação do GT Hume da Associação Nacional de Pós-Graduação em Filosofia (ANPOF). Dedica-se a pesquisas sobre o pensamento de David Hume, o iluminismo escocês, a imagem da mulher na filosofia moderna e a relação entre filosofia e literatura.

References

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How to Cite
Balieiro, M. (2025). Lovers or Masters? – On David Hume, Women and Marriages. Praxis Filosófica, (61S), e20614299. https://doi.org/10.25100/pfilosofica.v0i61S.14299
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