In Of Natural Characters (1748), David Hume wrote: "I am apt to suspect the negroes and in general all other species of men (for there are four or five different kinds) to be naturally inferior to the whites. There never was a civilized nation of any other complexion than white, nor even any individual eminent amongst them, no arts, no sciences. . . . Such a uniform and constant difference could not happen, in so many countries and ages if nature had not made an original distinction between these breeds of men."
Based on this passage, what did Hume see as the source of racial distinctions?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Hume sees the source of racial distinctions as being natural, implying that different races have inherent biological differences. He argues that this is evidenced by the fact that no non-white civilization has achieved the level of culture and sophistication of white civilizations.

In of Natural Characters (1748), David Hume Wrote: "I Am