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2024-09-22 08:21:10

David Hume

Scottish Enlightenment philosopher and essayist
Scottish Enlightenment philosopher and essayist

David Hume was a Scottish Enlightenment philosopher known for his empiricism, skepticism, and naturalism. He rejected innate ideas, argued for the role of custom in belief, and emphasized the influence of emotions over reason. Hume's ideas on induction, causality, ethics, free will, and religion had a significant impact on various fields and philosophers, including Immanuel Kant.

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David Hume emphasizes the importance of basing systems on fact and observation

David Hume stresses the significance of rejecting systems that are not grounded in fact and observation, and instead, relying on arguments derived from experience. He believes that inquiries about human nature should be based on experience and observation rather than abstract science.

1704
Newton's Law of Gravitation

Hume recognizes Newton's Law of Gravitation as a groundbreaking discovery that deviates from traditional mechanical laws. He emphasizes the non-mechanical nature of this fundamental principle.

1707
David Hume's critique of the inductive method

Scottish empiricist David Hume critiqued the inductive method by showing that an infinite number of confirming results are needed to prove a theory correct. This critique influenced Karl Popper's rejection of the inductive method in the philosophy of science.

1711-04-26
Birth of David Hume

David Hume, the philosopher of the eighteenth century Scottish Enlightenment, was born on 26th April 1711 in Edinburgh, Scotland. He was known for his influential works in philosophy.

1711-05-07
Birth of David Hume

David Hume, the most influential thinker of the Scottish Enlightenment and one of the greatest philosophers of all time, was born in 1711 in Edinburgh to a moderately wealthy family from Berwickshire Scotland.

1713-01-01
Death of David Hume's Father

David Hume's father passed away just after David's second birthday, leaving him, along with his elder brother and sister, under the care of their mother, who was described as a woman of exceptional merit.

1723-01-01
David Hume Enrolls in the University of Edinburgh

David Hume enrolled in the University of Edinburgh, marking a significant step in his academic journey and intellectual development.

1727
David Hume leaves University of Edinburgh

At the age of fifteen, David Hume left the University of Edinburgh, where he studied Latin, Greek, history, literature, philosophy, mathematics, and natural philosophy.

1729
Views of Moral Rationalists

Hume criticizes the views of moral rationalists such as Samuel Clarke, Locke, and William Wollaston, stating that their theories have distorted our natural understanding of morality. He believes that modern moral philosophy aligns itself with religion, serving the interests of popular superstition.

1731
Hume's health struggles and recovery

In 1731, Hume faced health issues including a 'Disease of the Learned' which led to a change in lifestyle and diet, resulting in significant physical transformation.

1734-01-01
David Hume Enters a Business House

On January 1, 1734, David Hume started working at a business house. This experience outside of academia may have influenced his later philosophical and economic ideas.

1735
Hume's aversion to traditional education

In 1735, Hume expressed his disdain for traditional education and professors, opting for self-study and a focus on philosophy and general learning.

1737
David Hume's Psychological Crisis

After three years of rigorous study and reflection, David Hume faced a psychological crisis due to the intensity of developing his philosophical vision. The crisis, although challenging, eventually passed, marking a significant phase in Hume's intellectual journey.

1739
Publication of David Hume's 'A Treatise of Human Nature'

David Hume's work 'A Treatise of Human Nature' explores various philosophical concepts, including skepticism and empiricism. It is considered one of the most important works in the history of philosophy.

1740-01-01
David Hume Publishes Book 3 of 'A Treatise of Human Nature'

On January 1, 1740, David Hume published the third volume of his work 'A Treatise of Human Nature'.

1741
Publication of Essays Moral and Political

In 1741, David Hume published 'Essays Moral and Political,' which became highly successful and required a second edition. These essays later influenced the economic theories of his friend Adam Smith.

1744
Failure to Obtain Post at Edinburgh University

In 1744, David Hume once again faced failure in securing the position of moral philosophy at Edinburgh University due to his atheistic beliefs.

1745
Acceptance of invitation from General St Clair

Hume accepted an invitation from General St Clair to serve as his secretary, accompanying him on expeditions against Canada and to embassy posts in Vienna and Turin.

1746
David Hume accompanies General St. Clair to France

In 1746, David Hume joined General St. Clair on an expedition to France and served as his Secretary.

1748
Publication of David Hume's 'An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding'

David Hume's work 'An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding' explores the formation of the self and the relationship between human nature and nature, challenging traditional views on knowledge and experience.

1749
Beginning The History of England

In 1749, Hume started his monumental historical work, The History of England, which took fifteen years to complete and consisted of over a million words.

1751-01-01
Publication of 'An Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals' by David Hume

On January 1, 1751, David Hume published 'An Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals', a significant work in moral philosophy.

1751-03-10
Doubts about Religious Belief

In a letter to Gilbert Elliot of Minto dated March 10, 1751, David Hume mentioned burning an old manuscript book that contained the gradual progress of his thoughts on religious belief. He described his anxious search for arguments to confirm the common opinion, followed by doubts that kept resurfacing.

1752
Publication of 'Political Discourses'

In 1752, David Hume published 'Political Discourses', which he considered to be his first successful work upon publication. This event marked a significant milestone in his career as a philosopher and writer.

1754
Publication of 'The History of England'

In 1754, David Hume began publishing volumes of his ambitious work 'The History of England', which brought him widespread acclaim and recognition on an international scale. This monumental undertaking solidified his reputation as a prominent historian and thinker.

1755
Translation of David Hume's 'Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding' into German

In 1755, David Hume's philosophical work 'Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding', originally published in 1748, was translated into German by Johann Georg Sulzer, contributing to the dissemination of Hume's ideas in German-speaking regions.

1756
Publication of Five Dissertations

In 1756, a volume of Hume's essays titled Five Dissertations was printed, containing essays that challenged religious doctrines such as the morality of suicide and the concept of life after death. Due to threats of prosecution, the essays were altered and distributed as Four Dissertations.

1757
Publication of the first volume of History of England

In 1757, David Hume released the initial volume of his renowned work, History of England, a significant contribution to historiography and political philosophy.

1758
Publication of 'Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding'

In 1758, David Hume released 'Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding', a key work in empiricist philosophy exploring human understanding and knowledge.

1760
Authorship of Anonymous Political Pamphlet

In 1760, Hume claimed to have written an anonymous political pamphlet criticizing the British Parliament's failure to establish a Scottish militia. The authorship of the pamphlet was disputed, with some attributing it to Adam Ferguson, a friend of Hume's.

1761
Correspondence with Dr. Alexander Carlyle

In early 1761, Hume wrote to Dr. Alexander Carlyle claiming authorship of the anonymous political pamphlet. This correspondence sheds light on the attribution of the pamphlet to Hume.

1762
Proclamation as the greatest writer in Britain by James Boswell

In 1762, James Boswell proclaimed Hume as the greatest writer in Britain. This recognition highlighted Hume's significant contributions to literature and philosophy during his time in Edinburgh.

1763
Hume becomes private secretary to the British Ambassador to France

In 1763, David Hume accepted a position as a private secretary to the British Ambassador to France. During his three-year stay in Paris, he eventually became Secretary to the Embassy.

1766-01
David Hume returns to London with Jean Jacques Rousseau

In January 1766, David Hume returned to London with his new friend Jean Jacques Rousseau, although their friendship soured later in the year. They both fell out famously. In the winter of the same year, Hume returned to Scotland.

1767
David Hume becomes Under Secretary of State for the Northern Department

In 1767, David Hume was recalled to London to serve as the Under Secretary of State for the Northern Department.

1768
Hume encourages total revolt in America

In 1768, Hume supported the idea of a total revolt by the Americans. This shows his varying views on the American Revolution.

1769
Return to Edinburgh and final years

In 1769, Hume returned to Edinburgh and spent the remainder of his life in the company of friends and his writings. This period marked the conclusion of his time away in Paris and London, allowing him to focus on his intellectual pursuits.

1770
James Beattie's attack on Hume's philosophy

In 1770, James Beattie published a harsh attack on Hume's philosophy in his work 'An Essay on the Nature and Immutability of Truth in Opposition to Sophistry and Scepticism'. This attack upset Hume, but made Beattie famous and earned him a pension from King George III.

1771
Hume advocates for American independence

In 1771, Hume expressed criticism towards British policies regarding the American colonies and supported the idea of American independence, stating that the union between Britain and America was unsustainable.

1775
Hume's 'Advertisement' to Publisher

In 1775, while preparing a revised edition of his Essays and Treatises for publication, David Hume sent an 'Advertisement' to his publisher. In the advertisement, he requested that it be included in all future editions of his works.

1776-01-01
David Hume Publishes 'My Own Life'

On January 1, 1776, David Hume published 'My Own Life', a significant work reflecting on his personal experiences and philosophical journey.

1776-08-25
Death of David Hume

David Hume, a prominent Scottish philosopher, historian, and economist, passed away in Edinburgh, Scotland at the age of 65 due to cancer.

1777
Publication of Hume's Dialogues

Hume's friends convinced him to withhold the Dialogues from publication until after his death due to their controversial and inflammatory nature.

1778
Gilbert Stuart's View on Hume's Historical Stance

In 1778, Gilbert Stuart described Hume's history as a defense of prerogative, highlighting Hume's perspective on royal prerogative throughout British history.

1779
Dialogues concerning Natural Religion

Hume's greatest achievement in the philosophy of religion, this work is considered one of the most important and influential contributions to the field. It discusses topics such as the reliability of reports of miracles, the immateriality and immortality of the soul, the morality of suicide, and the natural history of religion.

1783
Co-founding of the Royal Society of Edinburgh by David Hume's Nephew

Hume's nephew, David Hume of Ninewells, co-founded the Royal Society of Edinburgh in 1783. He held significant positions in the Scottish High Court and Edinburgh University.

1787
Benjamin Franklin influenced by Hume's ideas

Hume's influence on some of the Founders, such as Benjamin Franklin, can be seen in Franklin's suggestion at the Philadelphia Convention of 1787. Franklin proposed that no high office in any branch of government should receive a salary, a concept Hume had previously advocated.

1790
Adam Smith's Description of David Hume

Adam Smith, the Scottish philosopher and close friend of David Hume, described Hume as a wise and virtuous man, almost perfect in his wisdom and virtue, even in the face of death.

1804
Glasgow LLB

In 1804, David Hume obtained a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from the University of Glasgow.

1905
Thought Experiment on Causal Judgments

Hume's thought experiment questions the familiarity and intuitiveness of ordinary causal judgments. By proposing a scenario where an individual with exceptional intellectual abilities is introduced to the world as an adult, armed with knowledge, Hume challenges the notion of immediate causal understanding.

1932
Publication of The Letters of David Hume

The two-volume work 'The Letters of David Hume' was published in 1932, edited by J.Y.T. Grieg.

1935
Publication of Hume's Dialogues Concerning Natural Religion

This edition, edited by Norman Kemp Smith, is considered the definitive version of this work and includes a groundbreaking introductory essay.

1938
A bibliography of David Hume and of Scottish philosophy

The first scholarly bibliographical work on Hume, early responses to Hume, and other Scottish philosophers.

1940
Hume’s Theory of the External World

In 1940, Price, H.H. published a book discussing Hume's Theory of the External World.

1941
The Philosophy of David Hume

Norman Kemp Smith's groundbreaking book that set a new direction for Hume scholarship.

1952
Publication of Hume’s Intentions

In 1952, the book 'Hume’s Intentions' by J. Passmore was published by Cambridge University Press.

1953
Publication of Empiricism and Subjectivity

Deleuze's first publication, Empiricism and Subjectivity, focuses on David Hume, challenging the traditional understanding of Hume as a British empiricist. Deleuze presents Hume as more radical than commonly believed.

1954
New Letters of David Hume

A supplement to Greig's collection, this volume contains letters related to David Hume.

1966
Passion and Value in Hume’s Treatise

Ardal's work explores the themes of passion and value in David Hume's Treatise of Human Nature, providing insights into Hume's philosophical ideas.

1973
Publication of 'Hume’s Philosophical Development'

In 1973, J. Noxon's book 'Hume’s Philosophical Development' was published in Oxford, focusing on the evolution of Hume's philosophical ideas.

1975
Publication of Enquiries concerning Human Understanding and concerning the Principles of Morals

The book 'Enquiries concerning Human Understanding and concerning the Principles of Morals' was published in 1975, edited by L. A. Selby-Bigge and revised by P. H. Nidditch.

1977
Hume

A book by B. Stroud published in 1977, providing insights and analysis on the philosophy of David Hume.

1978
Publication of Treatise of Human Nature

Edited by L.A. Selby-Bigge and P.H. Nidditch, this edition was considered the definitive version of this work in the late twentieth century.

1980
Hume’s Philosophy of Mind

Bricke's book 'Hume’s Philosophy of Mind' was published in 1980 by Princeton University Press, delving into Hume's ideas on the philosophy of mind.

1981
Hume and the Problem of Causation

The book 'Hume and the Problem of Causation' by Beauchamp and Rosenberg was published in 1981 by Oxford University Press, focusing on Hume's perspective on causation.

1982
Publication of 'David Hume: Common Sense Moralist, Sceptical Metaphysician'

In 1982, D.F. Norton published the book 'David Hume: Common Sense Moralist, Sceptical Metaphysician' in Princeton, shedding light on Hume's philosophical views.

1983
Publication of History of England

This edition by Liberty Classics is considered the definitive version of Hume's History.

1984
Hume’s Philosophy of Common

In 1984, D.W. Livingston wrote a book on 'Hume’s Philosophy of Common' which might focus on David Hume's views on common aspects of human life or society.

1985
Russell argues Hume modelled the structure of the Treatise on Hobbes's Elements of Law

In 1985, Russell argued that Hume structured his Treatise based on Hobbes's Elements of Law, highlighting the similarities between their works.

1986
Publication of 'A Treatise of Human Nature' by David Hume

The book 'A Treatise of Human Nature' written by David Hume and Ernest C. Mossner was published in 1986 by Penguin Classics.

1987
Publication of Essays, Moral, Political and Literary

Edited by E.F. Miller, this edition is considered the definitive version of this work.

1989
The Secret Connexion: Causation, Realism and David Hume

Published in 1989 by G. Strawson, this book delves into the concepts of causation, realism, and their relation to David Hume's philosophy.

1990
Publication of Hume’s System

In 1990, the book 'Hume’s System' by D. Pears was published by Oxford University Press.

1991
A Progress of Sentiments: Reflections on Hume’s Treatise

Baier's book delves into reflections on David Hume's Treatise of Human Nature, focusing on the progress of sentiments as discussed by Hume.

1993
An Index of Hume Studies: 1975-1993

A bibliographical index of articles from Hume Studies until 1993.

1994
Hume and Hume’s Connexions

A book edited by M.A. Stewart and J.P. Wright in 1994, focusing on the connections and relationships in the philosophy of David Hume.

1995
David Hume: Critical Assessments

A six-volume work by S. Tweyman published in 1995, offering critical assessments of David Hume's philosophical ideas. It provides in-depth analysis and evaluations of Hume's works.

1996
Cognition and Commitment in Hume’s Philosophy

D. Garrett's book published in 1996, delving into the concepts of cognition and commitment within Hume's philosophical framework.

1998
Philosophical Melancholy and Delirium: Hume’s Pathology of Philosophy

In 1998, the book 'Philosophical Melancholy and Delirium: Hume’s Pathology of Philosophy' was published by University of Chicago Press in Chicago. It delves into Hume's views on philosophy and his exploration of melancholy and delirium.

1999
Publication of 'Hume on Knowledge'

The book 'Hume on Knowledge' by H.W. Noonan was published in 1999 in London and New York by Routledge.

2000
Publication of Themes in Hume: The Will, The Self, Religion

In 2000, the book 'Themes in Hume: The Will, The Self, Religion' was published, focusing on various themes related to Hume's philosophy.

2001-02-26
Publication of David Hume's Entry in Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy

The entry for David Hume was first published on February 26, 2001 in the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. Hume is considered a significant philosopher in the history of philosophy.

2002
Stability and Justification in Hume’s Treatise

In 2002, L.E. Loeb published 'Stability and Justification in Hume’s Treatise' in New York by Oxford University Press. The book discusses the concepts of stability and justification in Hume's philosophical work.

2003
Hume Variations

J.A. Fodor's work published in 2003 exploring various interpretations and variations of Hume's philosophy.

2005
Early Responses to Hume’s Writings

James Fieser's 10-volume work that includes the principal criticisms of Hume from the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.

2006
The Blackwell Guide to Hume’s Treatise

A book edited by S. Traiger in 2006, providing a comprehensive guide to Hume's Treatise. It offers insights and analysis on Hume's philosophical work.

2007
Projection and Realism in Hume’s Philosophy

P.J.E. Kail published a book in 2007 named 'Projection and Realism in Hume’s Philosophy' through Oxford University Press. The book probably discusses the concepts of projection and realism in Hume's philosophical works.

2008
Russell argues Hume modelled the structure of the Treatise on Hobbes's Elements of Law

In 2008, Russell reiterated his argument that Hume's Treatise was influenced by Hobbes's Elements of Law, emphasizing the connection between the two philosophers.

2009
Publication of 'Hume’s 'A Treatise of Human Nature': An Introduction'

In 2009, J. P. Wright published 'Hume’s 'A Treatise of Human Nature': An Introduction' in Cambridge, providing an introductory analysis of Hume's work 'A Treatise of Human Nature'.

2010
Spectres of False Divinity: Hume’s Moral Atheism

In 2010, a book called 'Spectres of False Divinity: Hume’s Moral Atheism' was published by T. Holden from Oxford University Press. The book delves into Hume's philosophical views on morality and atheism.

2011
Publication of 'David Hume: A Treatise of Human Nature: Volume 1: Texts' by David Fate Norton & Mary J. Norton

The book 'David Hume: A Treatise of Human Nature: Volume 1: Texts' written by David Fate Norton & Mary J. Norton was published in 2011 by Clarendon Press.

2012
Starting with Hume

In 2012, a book titled 'Starting with Hume' authored by C. Brown and W. E. Morris was released in London by Continuum.

2013
David O'Connor's View on Hume's Religious Position

David O'Connor argues that Hume's final position was 'weakly deistic'. Hume doubted the possibility of finding enough evidence to justify accepting any religious position.

2014
Hume’s Epistemology in the Treatise: A Veritistic Interpretation

A book titled 'Hume’s Epistemology in the Treatise: A Veritistic Interpretation' was published in Oxford by Oxford University Press in 2014.

2015
Reflecting Subjects: Passion, Sympathy, and Society in Hume’s Philosophy

J.A. Taylor's book from 2015 explores the themes of passion, sympathy, and society in David Hume's philosophical works.

2018
Publication of 'The Imagination in Hume’s Philosophy: The Canvas of the Mind'

In 2018, T.M. Costelloe's book 'The Imagination in Hume’s Philosophy: The Canvas of the Mind' was published by Edinburgh University Press, delving into the role of imagination in Hume's philosophical ideas.

2019
Publication of 'The Infidel and the Professor: David Hume, Adam Smith, and the Friendship...' by Dennis C. Rasmussen

The book 'The Infidel and the Professor: David Hume, Adam Smith, and the Friendship...' written by Dennis C. Rasmussen was published in 2019 by Princeton University Press.

2020
Hume’s Epistemological Evolution

In 2020, Qu, H.M. released a work focusing on Hume's Epistemological Evolution.

2021
Publication of 'Hume: A Very Short Introduction' by James A. Harris

The book 'Hume: A Very Short Introduction' written by James A. Harris was published in 2021 by Oxford University Press.

2023-11-01
Revision of David Hume's Entry in Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy

On November 1, 2023, the entry for David Hume underwent a substantive revision in the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. Hume is generally regarded as one of the most important philosophers.

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David Hume
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