A Treatise of Human Nature
Three books examine understanding, passions and morals to build a science of human nature through observation of our mental operations.
Understanding the text
Hume wrote much of it during his stay in France; an appendix corrects and complicates several arguments.
Key points
- 01
Perceptions
Impressions and ideas distinguish different intensities of experience without guaranteeing a perfect copy of every content.
- 02
Causation
Expectation of an effect arises from habit acquired through repeated conjunctions.
- 03
Morals
Approval and blame involve sentiments and a common perspective rather than reason alone.
Explore the ideas in depth
From perceptions to habit
Hume distinguishes vivid impressions from less vivid ideas, then examines how the mind associates perceptions. Expecting a cause to produce an effect arises from habit formed by repeated experience; no logical demonstration guarantees that the future will resemble the past. It does not follow that we can live without practical beliefs.
Self, passions and morals
The three books treat understanding, passions and morals. Hume challenges the idea of an immediately observable simple self and describes a succession of perceptions; he also investigates sympathy and moral judgment. Published in 1739–1740, the Treatise was reworked in the two Enquiries, which are more than summaries.
How to read it
Follow the three books separately. Read the appendix on personal identity: Hume acknowledges a real difficulty that an overly smooth account of bundle theory would conceal.
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 ↗