Book III, Part 1, Section 1 introduces the concept of moral distinctions not derived from reason.” In this section Hume is addressing the idea that morality comes from perceptions which are of impressions and ideas. This is different from reason. Morality is not necessarily based on one’s passions, but rather one’s impressions and ideas.
Section 2 asks the question “of what nature are these impressions, and after what manner do they operate upon us?” Hume’s answer is that pleasure is a direct result of moral action.
In Part 2, Section 1, Hume makes the argument that justice is an artificial virtue, as it comes about based on the circumstances we find ourselves in.
Section 2 suggests that justice originates in the “selfishness and confin’d generosity of man, along with the scanty provision nature has made for his wants.” I am not entirely sure what Hume means by this.
Section 3 defines the idea of property and the rules by which one distinguishes to whom such property belongs.
Continuing on these same concepts, Section 4 gives explanation of the ways in which this property is disbursed and the means by which it can be transferred from one person to another.
In Section 5, I found Hume’s argument regarding promises to be confusing. I believe in the beginning that he is saying that a promise is really of no consequence, as to promise does not provide obligation to perform in the way promised. However, Hume’s final statement in this section seems contradictory: “A man, dangerously wounded, who promises a competent sum to a surgeon to cure him, wou’d certainly be bound to performance; tho’ the case be not so much different from that of one who promises a sum to a robber, as to produce so great a difference in our sentiments or morality, if these sentiments were not built entirely on public interest and convenience.” I did not find the explanation in between to be particularly helpful.
The final section for today’s discussion, Section 6, makes a few final arguments about justice and property, including that the definition (a constant and perpetual will of giving every one his due) is inappropriate; that property, right and obligation are artificial virtues; and that vice and virtue are so closely related that it is often difficult to determine where one ends and the other begins.

“There is no spectacle so fair and beautiful as a noble and generous action; nor any which gives us more abhorrence than one that is cruel and treacherous. No enjoyment equals the satisfaction we receive from the company of those we love and esteem; as the greatest of all punishments is to be oblig’d to pass our lives with those we hate or contemn. A very play or romance may afford us instances of this pleasure, which virtue conveys to us; and pain, which arises from vice.” (pg 302, 3.1.2.2)
“After the same manner, when we require any action, or blame a person for not performing it, we always suppose, that one in that situation shou’d be influenc’d by the proper motive of that action, and we esteem it vicious in him to be regardless of it. If we find, upon enquiry, that the virtuous motive was still powerful over his breast, tho’ check’d in its operation by some circumstances unknown to us, we retract our blame, and have the same esteem for him, as if he had actually perform’d the action, which we require of him.” (pg, 307, 3.2.1.3)
I particularly enjoyed these two passages because I find them especially applicable in modern times.
“…’tis only from the selfishness and confin’d generosity of man, along with the scanty provision nature has made for his wants, that justice derives its origins.” (pg 318, 3.2.2.18)
I simply do not understand what Hume means in this passage.