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The science and philosophy of morality

Are science and philosophy at odds when it comes to the study of ethics? Should they be?

12 min readJun 26, 2025

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Science vs philosophy, according to Midjourney.

Here is my proposed candidate for most abused quote in the history of philosophy:

“In every system of morality, which I have hitherto met with, I have always remarked, that the author proceeds for some time in the ordinary way of reasoning, and establishes the being of a God, or makes observations concerning human affairs; when of a sudden I am surprised to find, that instead of the usual copulations of propositions, is, and is not, I meet with no proposition that is not connected with an ought, or an ought not. This change is imperceptible; but is, however, of the last consequence. For as this ought, or ought not, expresses some new relation or affirmation, it is necessary that it should be observed and explained; and at the same time that a reason should be given, for what seems altogether inconceivable, how this new relation can be a deduction from others, which are entirely different from it. But as authors do not commonly use this precaution, I shall presume to recommend it to the readers.” (David Hume, A Treatise of Human Nature, book 3, part 1, section 1)

Hume wrote the above in 1739–40, and his admittedly ambiguous prose has ever since created a lot of needless acrimony…

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Figs in Winter
Figs in Winter

Written by Figs in Winter

by Massimo Pigliucci, a scientist, philosopher, and Professor at the City College of New York. Exploring and practicing Stoicism & other philosophies of life.