Reason can't influence our actions
Reason can't influence our actions
Sometimes Hume says this. But he really means that truths by themselves (apart from feelings and desires) can't influence our actions.
"This fire would burn our fingers" is a truth discovered by reason. It can lead us not to touch the fire -- IF WE DESIRE not to burn our fingers. So reason can influence our actions indirectly, through our desires.
Reason can't influence our actions
Sometimes Hume says this. But he really means that truths by themselves (apart from feelings and desires) can't influence our actions.
"This fire would burn our fingers" is a truth discovered by reason. It can lead us not to touch the fire -- IF WE DESIRE not to burn our fingers. So reason can influence our actions indirectly, through our desires.