Life of David Hume
- David Hume (1711-1776) was a Scottish philosopher, historian, economist, and essayist. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the history of Western philosophy and is often credited with being the founder of modern empiricism. Hume is best known for his philosophical works, which include A Treatise of Human Nature (1739-1740), An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding (1748), and An Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals (1751).
-
- Hume was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, on April 26, His father, Joseph Hume, was a lawyer and his mother, Katherine, was a devout Calvinist. Hume was educated at the University of Edinburgh, where he studied philosophy, history, and mathematics. He was particularly influenced by the works of John Locke and Thomas Hobbes.
-
- Hume's early works focused on the philosophy of religion and the problem of evil. In 1739, he published A Treatise of Human Nature, which is considered to be his most important work. In this work, Hume argued that all knowledge is derived from experience and that reason is limited in its ability to discover truth. He also argued that morality is based on sentiment rather than reason.
-
- In 1748, Hume published An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding, which is considered to be his most influential work. In this work, Hume argued that all knowledge is based on experience and that reason is limited in its ability to discover truth. He also argued that morality is based on sentiment rather than reason.
-
- Hume's later works focused on the philosophy of history and economics. In 1752, he published The History of England, which is considered to be his most important work in this field. In this work, Hume argued that history is the result of the actions of individuals and that it is impossible to predict the future. He also argued that the economy is based on the principles of supply and demand.
-
- Hume's works had a profound influence on the development of modern philosophy. His works were widely read and discussed by philosophers such as Immanuel Kant, John Stuart Mill, and Bertrand Russell. Hume's influence can also be seen in the works of modern economists such as Adam Smith and John Maynard Keynes.
-
- Hume died in Edinburgh on August 25, He is buried in the Old Calton Burial Ground in Edinburgh. Hume's works continue to be widely read and discussed by philosophers and economists today.
Teachings of David Hume
- Reason is and ought only to be the slave of the passions.
-
- We can never be certain of the truth of any proposition beyond what is immediately present to the mind.
-
- All knowledge is ultimately based on experience.
-
- We cannot derive an “ought” from an “is”.
-
- We cannot know the cause of any event with certainty.
-
- We cannot know the future with certainty.
-
- We cannot know the external world with certainty.
-
- We cannot know the existence of God with certainty.
-
- We cannot know the existence of an immaterial soul with certainty.
-
- We cannot know the existence of free will with certainty.
-
- We cannot know the existence of an objective morality with certainty.
-
- We cannot know the existence of an objective truth with certainty.
-
- We cannot know the existence of an objective reality with certainty.
-
- We cannot know the existence of an objective beauty with certainty.
-
- We cannot know the existence of an objective good with certainty.
-
- We cannot know the existence of an objective evil with certainty.
-
- We cannot know the existence of an objective justice with certainty.
-
- We cannot know the existence of an objective meaning with certainty.
-
- We cannot know the existence of an objective purpose with certainty.
-
- We cannot know the existence of an objective value with certainty.