A Treatise of Human Nature · Chapter
Part II: Of Justice and Injustice explained
This chapter examines the origins and nature of justice and injustice, arguing that they are not natural virtues but artificial ones, arising from human conventions and the necessity of social cooperation.
What happens
This chapter examines the origins and nature of justice and injustice, arguing that they are not natural virtues but artificial ones, arising from human conventions and the necessity of social cooperation. The text explores how the rules of justice are established through a shared sense of interest, and how property, right, and obligation are derived from these conventions.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Falling action.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
In Part II, the dramatic climax occurs when Hume systematically dismantles the direct, simple origin of love a…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Artificial Virtues and Justice
The central theme of the chapter, arguing that justice is a human invention, not a natural instinct.
- Sympathy and Social Influence
The chapter discusses how a shared sense of interest and the need for social stability lead to the convention of justice.
Characters to notice
- David Hume
The author and primary voice, presenting the argument that justice is an artificial virtue.
Key passages
“Part II Of Justice and Injustice”
This section is dedicated to exploring the concepts of justice and injustice.
Opening title of the chapter.
