In Our Time David Hume
Oct 6, 2011
David Hume, a key figure in the Scottish Enlightenment, was discussed by Melvyn Bragg and guests. They explored Hume's empiricist beliefs, skeptical views on religion, and his influence on prominent thinkers. Topics included human nature, morality, and Hume's lasting impact on philosophy.
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Hume's Naturalistic Starting Point
- Hume wrote within the scientific revolution and the mechanical philosophy shaped his skepticism about what we can know from appearances.
- He sought to place human nature firmly within the natural world, not above it.
Hume The Autodidact
- Hume left formal university study and became largely self-taught while living at home and on the family farm.
- He read widely in several languages and formulated many ideas in solitary study.
Passions Overrule Pure Reason
- The Treatise aimed to explain human nature by analysing reason and the passions as foundational faculties.
- Hume argued passions drive action while reason plays a largely instrumental role.