An Enquiry concerning Human Understanding
Twelve sections reorganize the theory of knowledge around ideas, causation, liberty, miracles and a mitigated skepticism.
Understanding the text
Published in 1748 as Philosophical Essays, it received its current title in 1758 and replaced certain Treatise formulations for Hume.
Key points
- 01
Fork
Relations of ideas and matters of fact require different forms of justification.
- 02
Habit
Causal inference is natural and indispensable without being a rational demonstration of the future.
- 03
Testimony
Miracles require weighing testimony’s credibility against evidence supporting natural regularity.
Explore the ideas in depth
Distinguish habit from proof
Twelve sections reorganize the theory of knowledge around ideas, causation, liberty, miracles and a mitigated skepticism.
Fork
Relations of ideas and matters of fact require different forms of justification. Published in 1748 as Philosophical Essays, it received its current title in 1758 and replaced certain Treatise formulations for Hume.
Habit
Causal inference is natural and indispensable without being a rational demonstration of the future. Begin with IV–V, then X–XII. Do not confuse skeptical analysis of justification with a practical inability to believe, act or conduct scientific inquiry.
Testimony
Miracles require weighing testimony’s credibility against evidence supporting natural regularity. A machine has always worked: this creates an expectation without proving it will work tomorrow.
Questions to carry into your reading
- Does repetition guarantee the next occurrence?
- How can we act without demonstrative certainty?
Begin with IV–V, then X–XII. Do not confuse skeptical analysis of justification with a practical inability to believe, act or conduct scientific inquiry.
How to read it
Begin with IV–V, then X–XII. Do not confuse skeptical analysis of justification with a practical inability to believe, act or conduct scientific inquiry.
Editions & sources
Summaries and key points are original editorial interpretations. They accompany reading the work and do not replace an edition of the text. Editorial method ↗