Read 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.
An original introduction. This guide accompanies the work; it is neither the complete text nor a translation.
Analogy
Comparing the world with a machine requires justification of the relevant resemblance. Hume worked on the text for years and arranged posthumous publication; the characters are not transparent mouthpieces.
Evil
Suffering complicates attributing perfect goodness and unlimited power together. Track who speaks and what is granted only for argument’s sake. Compare parts II, X–XI and XII before identifying Hume’s own position.
Dialogue
Final concessions need interpretation within the dramatic whole rather than isolation as a definitive confession. An extraordinary report invites comparison between testimony quality and competing explanations.
Track who speaks and what is granted only for argument’s sake. Compare parts II, X–XI and XII before identifying Hume’s own position.
Your turn to think.
- What resemblance is sufficient for an analogy?
- Does a final concession settle every objection?
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