Starting with Hume

Charlotte Randall Brown, William Edward Morris

• Publisher: Continuum
• Year: 2012
• Print ISBN: 9781847065308
• eBook ISBN: 9781441142474
• Edition: 1
• Topic: Philosophy
• Subtopic: Philosophy History & Theory

This book presents a new introduction to Hume, guiding the student through the key concepts of Hume's work by examining the overall development of his ideas. David Hume is widely regarded as the greatest English thinker in the history of philosophy. His contributions to a huge range of philosophical debates are as important and influential now as they were in the eighteenth century. Covering all the key concepts of his work, Starting with Hume provides an accessible introduction to the ideas of this hugely significant thinker. Clearly structured according to Hume's central ideas, the book leads the reader through a thorough overview of the development of his thought, resulting in a more thorough understanding of the roots of his philosophical concerns. Offering comprehensive coverage of Hume's philosophical method, the book explores his contributions to philosophy of mind, causation, the foundation of ethics, natural virtues and philosophy or religion. Crucially the book introduces the major philosophical movements and thinkers whose work proved influential in the development of Hume's thought, including Nicolas Malebranche, Thomas Hobbes, and John Locke. This is the ideal introduction for anyone coming to the work of this hugely important thinker for the first time. Continuum's Starting With... series offers clear, concise and accessible introductions to the key thinkers in philosophy. The books explore and illuminate the roots of each philosopher's work and ideas, leading readers to a thorough understanding of the key influences and philosophical foundations from which his or her thought developed. Ideal for first-year students starting out in philosophy, the series will serve as the ideal companion to study of this fascinating subject.

Table of contents

• Abbreviations and references
• 1 Life and works
• 2 Philosophical project
• 3 Account of the mind
• 4 Causal inference: skeptical doubts
• 5 Causal inference: a skeptical solution
• 6 The idea of necessary connection
• 7 Liberty and necessity
• 8 Against moral rationalism
• 9 Sympathy and the general point of view
• 10 Justice
• 11 Philosophy of religion
• Further reading
• Bibliography
• Index