A Treatise of Human NatureOne of the most significant works of Western philosophy, Hume's Treatise was published in 1739-40, before he was thirty years old. A pinnacle of English empiricism, it is a comprehensive attempt to apply scientific methods of observation to a study of human nature, and a vigorous attack upon the principles of traditional metaphysical thought. With masterly eloquence, Hume denies the immortality of the soul and the reality of space; considers the manner in which we form concepts of identity, cause and effect; and speculates upon the nature of freedom, virtue and emotion. Opposed both to metaphysics and to rationalism, Hume's philosophy of informed scepticism sees man not as a religious creation, nor as a machine, but as a creature dominated by sentiment, passion and appetite. |
Contents
OF THE UNDERSTANDING | |
success in our philosophical researches to leave the tedious | |
INTRODUCTION | |
OF THE PASSIONS | |
Lord BACON and some late philosophers in England who have | |
Of contiguity and distance in space and time | |
Of the direct passions | |
Of curiosity or the love of truth | |
Of the origin of government | |
Of the source of allegiance | |
Of the measures of allegiance | |
Of the objects of allegiance | |
Of the laws of nations | |
Of chastity and modesty | |
Of the other virtues and vices I Of the origin of the natural virtues and vices | |
Of greatness of mind | |
OF MORALS | |
Moral distinctions derivd from a moral sense | |
Of the origin of justice and property | |
Of the rules which determine property | |
Some farther reflections concerning justice and injustice | |
Of goodness and benevolence | |
Of natural abilities | |
Some farther reflections concerning the natural virtues | |
Conclusion of this book | |
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Common terms and phrases
actions agreeable appear argument arises assert belief body causation cause and effect circumstances common conceiv’d conceive concerning conclusion conjoin’d consequently consider consider’d considerable constant conjunction contiguity continu’d existence contrariety contrary cou’d custom David Hume degree deriv’d determin’d difference betwixt distinct encrease entirely equal establish’d esteem experience external fancy farther feel force and vivacity human nature Hume identity imagination immediately impressions and ideas inference infinite divisibility influence instances interest judgment justice kind love and hatred manner matter mind moral motion never object observ’d observe operation opinion original ourselves pain particular passions perceive perceptions person phaenomenon philosophers plac’d pleasure present impression pride and humility principles probability proceed produc’d produce propensity qualities reason reflection regard relation relation of ideas resemblance SECT sensation senses sensible sentiments shew shou’d society species superior suppos’d suppose sympathy thing thought tis evident tis impossible transition twill uneasiness virtue wou’d