Empiricism · Mitigated skepticism · 1711–1776
David Hume
Examine what our habits lead us to believe.
Scotland · France · England
Reading guides
A thread to guide your reading.
Original introductions to enter the works, discover their central questions and take the reflection further.
Distinguish habit from proof
Twelve sections reorganize the theory of knowledge around ideas, causation, liberty, miracles and a mitigated skepticism.
An Enquiry concerning Human UnderstandingFeel, compare and judge
Hume investigates qualities that attract approval and esteem, connecting utility, agreeableness, sentiment and correction of our personal viewpoint.
An Enquiry concerning the Principles of MoralsRead a controversy without confusing its voices
Cleanthes, Demea and Philo debate what cosmic order, evil and human limitations permit us to conclude about a deity.
Dialogues concerning Natural Religion