Search results
Sep 26, 2024 · David Hume, Scottish philosopher, historian, economist, and essayist known especially for his philosophical empiricism and skepticism. Despite the enduring impact of his theory of knowledge, Hume seems to have considered himself chiefly as a moralist.
Some interpret Hume as a reformer, in tune with the progressive spirit of the Enlightenment; others, as a conservative who applies his skeptical principles to political questions. This chapter attempts to survey the full diversity of Hume’s writings on political themes in order to allow for a clearer understanding of his importance to the ...
David Hume (/ h juː m /; born David Home; 7 May 1711 – 25 August 1776) was a Scottish philosopher, historian, economist, and essayist who was best known for his highly influential system of empiricism, philosophical skepticism and metaphysical naturalism. [1]
Feb 26, 2001 · Generally regarded as one of the most important philosophers to write in English, David Hume (1711–1776) was also well known in his own time as an historian and essayist.
Hume is presented here as ‘a precautionary conservative’, which is nearer to being a liberal and a reformer than he is commonly thought to have been.
- Hugh V. McLachlan
- Political Studies Review
- 2008
- 26
In the role of historian, Hume has been described as a reformer of British political culture, 1 a Baconian natural historian of morals, 2 a failed scientific historian, 3 a reactionary struggling with the liberalism of his early career, 4 a ‘scientific’ whig who transcended political parties, 5 a student of the ‘science of man,’ 6 a ...
While reliance on experience and observation has its limitations, Hume admitted, impressions and reflections based on observation of history and of society can lead to reasonable inference, probable conclusions, and effective planning. History, to Hume, deals with truth, and this truth is beyond reason.
