David Hume

Easton Press David Hume books

George Berkeley, John Locke and David Hume - Harvard Classics
Hume - Great Philosophers

Franklin Library David Hume books

Works of George Berkeley, John Locke and David Hume - Great Books of the Western World - 1984

David Hume biography

David Hume (1711–1776) was a Scottish philosopher, historian, economist, and essayist, considered one of the most important figures in the history of Western philosophy. He was born on May 7, 1711, in Edinburgh, Scotland, and died on August 25, 1776, in Edinburgh. Hume's contributions to philosophy, particularly in the areas of epistemology, metaphysics, ethics, and philosophy of religion, have had a profound and lasting impact.

In the quiet corners of 18th-century Edinburgh, where the Enlightenment's intellectual flames burned brightly, a philosopher named David Hume emerged as a luminary whose ideas would shape the trajectory of Western philosophy. Born on May 7, 1711, in Edinburgh, Scotland, Hume was the second son of a modest family. From these humble beginnings, he would ascend to the forefront of philosophical thought.

Hume's early years were marked by a voracious appetite for learning. He attended the University of Edinburgh at a young age, studying philosophy, literature, and the sciences. However, it was his years of solitude and reflection that molded his distinctive philosophical outlook. In 1734, he published his first work, A Treatise of Human Nature, a bold exploration of human psychology, morality, and the nature of knowledge.

Despite its brilliance, A Treatise of Human Nature was met with a muted response. Undeterred, Hume turned his attention to more accessible writing, releasing his Essays, Moral and Political in 1741. These essays, covering topics from political economy to aesthetics, demonstrated Hume's ability to distill complex ideas into clear and engaging prose.

Hume's philosophical contributions extended to his skepticism about causation and induction. He argued that our belief in cause and effect is not derived from reason but rather from habit and custom. This challenge to traditional notions of causation stirred controversy but also laid the groundwork for a profound shift in philosophical thinking.

In the midst of his philosophical pursuits, Hume immersed himself in the world of diplomacy and politics. He served as a secretary to various diplomats and engaged in diplomatic missions to continental Europe. His experiences in the political arena, including a diplomatic post in France, added a practical dimension to his philosophical musings.

Hume's magnum opus, A History of England, published between 1754 and 1762, solidified his reputation as a historian of note. This monumental work, spanning from the Roman Empire to the Glorious Revolution, showcased his narrative prowess and historical insight. It became a standard reference for generations to come.

In his later years, Hume retreated to the tranquility of his beloved Edinburgh. He continued to write and engage in intellectual discourse, earning acclaim as well as facing criticism, especially for his religious skepticism. Hume's reflections on religion, including his essay Dialogues Concerning Natural Religion, challenged traditional religious beliefs and stirred debates that resonate to this day.

David Hume's life drew to a close on August 25, 1776, leaving behind a legacy that transcends the boundaries of philosophy, history, and literature. His ideas, marked by empiricism, skepticism, and a commitment to reason, laid the groundwork for subsequent philosophical movements. In the annals of intellectual history, David Hume stands as a testament to the power of ideas to shape the course of human thought.

A Treatise of Human Nature (1739–1740)

A Treatise of Human Nature, was published in three volumes. In this work, he explored various aspects of human nature, including perception, emotions, and the concept of causation. Although the treatise wasn't widely recognized during his lifetime, it later gained attention for its profound ideas. Hume's examination of causation challenged traditional notions. He argued that the idea of causation is not derived from reason but is a habit of thought based on regular succession of events. 

According to Hume, we observe events occurring in a certain order and infer causation, but causation itself is not directly observable. Hume expressed skepticism about the reliability of inductive reasoning, which forms the basis of scientific inquiry. He argued that the assumption that the future will resemble the past is not rationally justified, challenging the traditional notion of scientific certainty. Hume was also a historian and wrote extensively on history. His History of England covers events from the invasion of Julius Caesar to the Glorious Revolution of 1688.

Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding (1748) is a condensed and more accessible version of Hume's earlier Treatise. In it, he explored many of the same themes, including his famous discussions on causation and skepticism about induction.

Dialogues Concerning Natural Religion (published posthumously in 1779) is Hume's exploration of religious topics, particularly the problem of evil and the limitations of human reason in understanding God, is presented in the form of a dialogue among three characters.

David Hume's legacy extends beyond philosophy into economics, history, and literature. His empiricist approach and challenges to traditional philosophical concepts have left an indelible mark on the development of modern philosophy.