Author
David Hume
1711-1776
David Hume (1711-1776) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
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Books by David Hume
An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding
"An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding" by David Hume is a philosophical work published in 1748. This revision of Hume's earlier treatise presents his empiricist philosophy in a shorter, more accessible form. Hume explores fundamental questions about human knowledge: how we form ideas from sensory impressions, why we connect thoughts in certain patterns, and whether experience can truly justify our beliefs about cause and effect. The work examines the distinction between logical reasoning and factual knowledge, challenging readers to question the foundations of human understanding itself.
A Treatise of Human Nature
"A Treatise of Human Nature" by David Hume is a philosophical work published between 1739-40. Inspired by Newton's scientific achievements, Hume seeks to apply experimental methods to human psychology. He argues that passions, not reason, drive human behavior and that our beliefs about cause and effect rest on habit rather than logic. Hume presents the famous problem of induction, defends sentiment-based morality, and controversially declares that "reason is, and ought only to be the slave to the passions." This foundational text challenges rationalist philosophy through empirical investigation.
An Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals
"An Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals" by David Hume is a philosophical work published in 1751. Hume argues that morality is grounded in sentiment and feeling rather than reason alone. Through empirical investigation of how humans actually make moral judgments, he develops a sympathy-based theory that rejects pure self-interest and embraces altruistic concern. The work presents a virtue ethics framework, controversially dismissing certain religious virtues as harmful to human flourishing and social utility.
Dialogues Concerning Natural Religion
"Dialogues Concerning Natural Religion" by David Hume is a philosophical work published in 1779. Three philosophers—Demea, Philo, and Cleanthes—debate God's existence, nature, and whether humans can truly know the divine. While all agree God exists, they clash over fundamental questions: Can design in nature prove God's existence? Does the world contain more suffering or good? Through their arguments, Hume explores the limits of human reason in understanding the divine, offering critiques that would influence religious and scientific thought for centuries.
The History of England in Three Volumes, Vol. I., Part A. From the Britons of Early Times to King John
"The History of England in Three Volumes, Vol. I., Part A." by David Hume is a historical work published between 1754-1762. Written while Hume served as librarian in Edinburgh, this monumental history spans from Julius Caesar's invasion to the Revolution of 1688. Initially met with outrage from all political factions, it became a bestseller that established the standard for English history. Hume's central concern was legitimizing the 1688 Revolution and creating a philosophical framework that could unite Whigs and former Jacobites in understanding Britain's modern constitutional foundations.
Hume's Political Discourses
"Hume's Political Discourses" by David Hume is a philosophical treatise written in the mid-18th century. The work explores foundational concepts in political economy and moral philosophy, reflecting Hume's thoughts on commerce, money, taxation, and various social structures. It aims to establish a framework for understanding the interactions between individuals and the state, providing insights that resonate throughout modern economic theory. The opening of "Hume's Political Discourses" includes an introduction that outlines Hume's reputation as a pioneering thinker in political economics and sets the stage for the various essays that follow. Hume asserts the importance of considering the public good in policy-making and distinguishes between shallow and profound thought in political discourse. He articulates that the foundational nature of his work lies in examining general principles over particular circumstances, emphasizing the role of commerce and industry in shaping a state's power and the well-being of its citizens, preparing readers for a deep dive into his analyses of economic interactions.
The History of England in Three Volumes, Vol. I., Part B. From Henry III. to Richard III.
"The History of England in Three Volumes, Vol. I., Part B." by David Hume is a historical work published between 1754-1762. Written while Hume served as librarian in Edinburgh, this ambitious history spans from Julius Caesar's invasion to the Revolution of 1688. Initially met with outrage from all political factions, it became a bestseller that secured Hume's financial independence. The work legitimizes the 1688 Revolution and addresses the nature of England's constitutional evolution, challenging views of seamless continuity from ancient precedents.
The History of England in Three Volumes, Vol. I., Part C. From Henry VII. to Mary
"The History of England in Three Volumes, Vol. I., Part C." by David Hume is a historical work published between 1754-1762. Written during his tenure as librarian in Edinburgh, Hume's ambitious chronicle spans from Julius Caesar's invasion to the Revolution of 1688. Initially met with outrage from all political factions, it became a bestseller and the standard history of England in its era. Hume sought to legitimize the 1688 Revolution and present Britain's modern constitution, challenging views of purely evolutionary constitutional development.
Philosophical Works, v. 1 (of 4) Including All the Essays, and Exhibiting the More Important Alterations and Corrections in the Successive Editions Published by the Author
"Philosophical Works, v. 1 (of 4)" by David Hume is a collection of philosophical essays and writings, compiled in the early 19th century. The volume aims to present the essential ideas and changes in Hume's philosophical thought, particularly from the edition published just before his death. It delves into topics such as human understanding, moral principles, and the nature of belief, showcasing Hume's contributions to empirical philosophy and his reflections on human nature and the intellect. At the start of this work, Hume offers a brief autobiography that paints a picture of his early years, literary pursuits, and the challenges he faced in establishing his philosophical career. He recalls his upbringing in Edinburgh and his gravitation toward literature and philosophy, recounting some disappointments with his publications that later turned to success. This personal narrative sets the tone for the philosophical essays to follow, providing insight into Hume's character and his relentless pursuit of knowledge, depicting him as a thinker deeply engaged in the exploration of human nature and understanding.
Essays
"Essays by David Hume" is a two-volume collection published in 1758. This compilation brings together Hume's explorations of political theory, aesthetics, and economic thought. Part I examines government, liberty, taste, and human nature through moral and political lenses. Part II delves into commerce, trade, money, and taxes. Together, these essays showcase one of the Enlightenment's most influential thinkers grappling with questions about society, art, and economics that remain relevant today.
The History of England, Volume I From the Invasion of Julius Caesar to the Revolution in 1688
"The History of England, Volume I" by David Hume is a historical work published between 1754-1762. Written while Hume served as librarian in Edinburgh, this six-volume work spans from Julius Caesar's invasion to the Revolution of 1688. Though initially met with outrage from all political factions, it became a bestseller and the standard history of England in its time. Hume sought to legitimize the 1688 Revolution and present Britain's constitution as distinctly modern, appealing to both Whigs and former Jacobites alike.
The History of England in Three Volumes, Vol. I., Part F. From Charles II. to James II.
"The History of England in Three Volumes, Vol. I., Part F." by David Hume is a historical work published between 1754-1762. Written while Hume served as librarian in Edinburgh, this monumental history spans from Julius Caesar's invasion to the Revolution of 1688. Initially met with outrage from all political factions, it became a bestseller that established the standard history of England for generations. Hume sought to legitimize the 1688 Revolution and appeal to both Whigs and former Jacobites in a politically turbulent era.
The History of England in Three Volumes, Vol. I., Part D. From Elizabeth to James I.
"The History of England in Three Volumes, Vol. I., Part D." by David Hume is a historical work published between 1754-1762. Written while Hume served as librarian in Edinburgh, this monumental history spans from Julius Caesar's invasion to the Revolution of 1688. Initially met with outrage from all political factions, it became a bestseller that established the standard for English history. Hume's central aim was legitimizing the 1688 Revolution and crafting a unifying narrative for a nation still reeling from recent Jacobite uprisings.
A Treatise of Human Nature Being an Attempt to Introduce the Experimental Method Into Moral Subjects; and Dialogues Concerning Natural Religion
"A Treatise of Human Nature" by David Hume is a philosophical work written in the early 18th century. This text introduces Hume's empirical approach to understanding human psychology, morality, and epistemology, emphasizing the experimental method applied to moral subjects. The treatise explores fundamental questions about human cognition, perception, and the nature of causation, striving to elucidate the mechanisms underpinning human thought and behavior. The beginning of this philosophical exploration sets up Hume's ambition to integrate the experimental method into the analysis of human nature, contrasting with traditional speculative approaches. The opening consists of introductions to the first two books, providing insights into Hume's critique of previous philosophical ideas, notably those of John Locke. Hume's examination aims to dissect the foundations of knowledge, questioning the reliability of impressions and ideas and laying the groundwork for his radical skepticism, ultimately challenging the very essence of what it means to know and understand the world.
The History of England in Three Volumes, Vol. I., Part E. From Charles I. to Cromwell
"The History of England in Three Volumes, Vol. I., Part E." by David Hume is a historical work published between 1754 and 1762. This ambitious six-volume history spans from Julius Caesar's invasion to the Revolution of 1688, covering England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland. Written while Hume served as librarian in Edinburgh, the work was initially met with outrage from all political factions but became a bestseller, establishing itself as the standard history of England and finally bringing Hume financial independence.
Philosophical Works, v. 2 (of 4) Including All the Essays, and Exhibiting the More Important Alterations and Corrections in the Successive Editions Published by the Author
"Philosophical Works, v. 2 (of 4)" by David Hume is a philosophical treatise written in the early 19th century. This volume primarily explores the nature of human emotions, specifically the passions of pride and humility, and their underlying psychological mechanisms. It aims to systematically analyze how these emotions arise, their causes and effects, and how they relate to self-perception and social interactions. The opening of this volume sets the stage for a thorough examination of pride and humility. Hume begins by distinguishing between original and reflective impressions within the realm of human perception and emotions. He discusses how these two passions are directly opposed but share the same object—self. Hume emphasizes that pride arises from favorable perceptions of oneself, while humility stems from unfavorable views. He also notes that the causes of these passions are varied, extending beyond just personal attributes to include external possessions and social status. Throughout this exploration, Hume emphasizes the importance of both the qualities producing pleasure or pain and their relationship to the self, laying a foundation for understanding the complexities of human emotions.
A History of England from Early Times: A Linked Index to the Project Gutenberg Editions
"A History of England from Early Times: A Linked Index to the Project Gutenberg…" by David Hume, with continuations by Tobias Smollett and others, is a comprehensive historical account written in the 18th century. This book explores the significant events and figures in English history from its earliest days until the Victorian era. The likely topic of the book encompasses the political, social, and cultural evolution of England throughout various monarchies and notable historical periods. The work is organized into multiple volumes that chronologically cover different epochs, starting from the early British tribes, through the Roman conquest, the establishment of various kingdoms, and the rule of influential monarchs such as William the Conqueror and Henry VIII. Each chapter delves into the lives of prominent figures and the implications of their reigns, alongside pivotal moments like the signing of the Magna Carta and the English Civil War. The meticulous structure and detail allow readers to gain insights into how England transformed through successive generations and the foundational events that shaped its national identity.