David Hume

Definition

David Hume was an 18th-century Scottish philosopher, historian, and essayist known for his philosophical empiricism and skepticism. His works challenged traditional views of religion, emphasizing the limits of human understanding and the importance of experience, which had significant implications for Christianity during the Enlightenment period.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Hume argued that human understanding is limited and that many religious beliefs are based more on habit and custom than on rational proof.
2. His famous work, 'An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding,' raises questions about causation and miracles, suggesting that belief in miracles is irrational.
3. Hume's thoughts on religion were seen as controversial during his time, leading to debates about faith and reason in the context of Enlightenment thought.
4. He proposed that morality is not derived from divine command but rather from human feelings and social conventions.
5. Hume's skepticism contributed to the broader Enlightenment movement, which sought to question traditional authority and promote reason and empirical evidence.

Review Questions

• How did Hume's views on empiricism challenge traditional religious beliefs during the Enlightenment?
  • Hume's views emphasized that knowledge arises from sensory experiences rather than innate ideas or divine revelation. This challenged traditional religious beliefs by suggesting that many claims about miracles and divine intervention lacked empirical evidence. His arguments led to a re-evaluation of faith, prompting both support and criticism from religious thinkers during the Enlightenment period.
• Discuss the significance of Hume's skepticism in relation to the concept of miracles in Christianity.
  • Hume's skepticism regarding miracles was significant as he argued that a miracle, defined as a violation of natural laws, could not be rationally justified based on human testimony alone. He asserted that it is more reasonable to disbelieve extraordinary claims without substantial evidence. This perspective pushed Christian theologians to confront the basis of their beliefs and defend the authenticity of miraculous events within their faith.
• Evaluate how Hume's philosophy impacted the development of modern secular thought and its relationship with religion.
  • Hume's philosophy had a profound impact on the development of modern secular thought by promoting critical inquiry and emphasizing human reason over divine authority. His critiques of religion laid groundwork for later philosophical movements, including atheism and agnosticism, which questioned the existence of God and traditional doctrines. This shift encouraged a more secular approach to ethics and morality, ultimately leading to a cultural environment where faith was increasingly viewed through a critical lens.

Related terms

Empiricism:

A philosophical theory which asserts that knowledge comes primarily from sensory experience.

Skepticism: An approach in philosophy that questions the possibility of certainty in knowledge, often applied to religious beliefs.

Theism: The belief in the existence of a god or gods, particularly within a framework that includes personal relationships and worship.