What is the origin of government?

1. WHAT HE SAID (the record)

Record ledger

• BELIEF (undated): David Hume believed that the origin of civil government and society is men's inability to change their natural propensity to prefer the present over the remote, and their need to change their situation to make the observance of justice the immediate interest of some particular persons, such as civil magistrates, kings, and their ministers. This is based on his argument that men cannot change their natures, but can change their circumstances to enforce justice. "Here then is the origin of civil government and society." [1]
• BELIEF (undated): David Hume believes that government originates from the necessity to maintain peace and execute justice, and that it is established through the consent and promises of individuals. He argues that the obligation to obey government initially derives from the laws of nature, particularly the law of performance of promises, but later becomes independent of such contracts. "When men have once perceiv'd the necessity of government to maintain peace, and execute justice, they wou'd naturally assemble together, wou'd chuse magistrates, determine their power, and promise them obedience." [2]
• BELIEF (undated): David Hume believed that the origin of government is rooted in human nature and the need for social order, as he discusses the subject in Part II, Section VII of Book III. This is evident from his analysis of the principles that lead to the formation of political societies. "VII. Of the origin of government . . . . . . ." [3]
• BELIEF (undated): David Hume believed that government arises from the need to preserve peace and order among people, as natural justice alone is insufficient to prevent disorder and iniquity. He argues that if natural justice were always sufficient, there would be no need for government. "It is evident, that, if government were totally useless, it never could have place, and that the sole foundation of the duty of allegiance is the advantage, which it procures to society, by preserving peace and order among mankind." [4]
• BELIEF (undated): David Hume believed that the origin of government lies in opinion, not force. He argues that government is founded on opinion, which includes both the perceived interest and the perceived right. (key quote above) [5]
• BELIEF (undated): David Hume believed that the origin of government lies in the necessity for administering justice, which is essential for peace, safety, and mutual intercourse among people. He argues that government exists to address the frailty of human nature and to enforce justice through the institution of magistrates. (key quote above) [6]
• BELIEF (undated): David Hume believed that the origin of government lies in the necessity for administering justice, which is essential for peace, safety, and mutual intercourse among people. He argues that political society is established to fulfill this purpose. [7]

What cuts against it

• The contrary-evidence entries are already in the record ledger above: [5].

2. HOW IT APPLIES (reasoning; inference is marked)

1. David Hume argued that government arises from the necessity to maintain peace and execute justice. (key quote above) [6]

2. He believed that human nature is such that individuals cannot be trusted to consistently act justly, necessitating the institution of magistrates. "This great weakness is incurable in human nature." [6]

3. Hume stated that government is established through the voluntary convention of men, who collectively agree to establish a governing authority. "Government, therefore, arises from the voluntary convention of men..." [8]

4. The obligation to obey government initially derives from the laws of nature, particularly the law of performance of promises, but later becomes independent of such contracts. "When men have once perceiv'd the necessity of government to maintain peace, and execute justice, they wou'd naturally assemble together..." [2]

5. Hume also believed that government is founded on opinion, which includes both the perceived interest and the perceived right. (key quote above) [5]

3. HIS TAKE

Record coverage: DIRECT

David Hume directly addressed the question of the origin of government in his writings. He argued that government arises from the necessity to maintain peace and execute justice, and that it is established through the voluntary convention of men. He believed that the obligation to obey government initially derives from the laws of nature, particularly the law of performance of promises, but later becomes independent of such contracts.

Extrapolation: David Hume believed that the origin of government is rooted in the necessity to maintain peace and execute justice, and that it is established through the voluntary convention of men. He argued that the obligation to obey government initially derives from the laws of nature, particularly the law of performance of promises, but later becomes independent of such contracts.

Competing readings: One competing reading is that Hume believed government is founded on opinion, not force. This is supported by his argument that government is founded on opinion, which includes both the perceived interest and the perceived right. [5]

Confidence: High, as the record directly addresses the question and provides multiple supporting passages.