David Hume
David Hume (1711-1776) was a Scottish philosopher, historian, and essayist, one of the most important figures of the Enlightenment and of Western philosophy. A leading empiricist and skeptic, his rigorous, clear-eyed analysis of human knowledge, causation, and morality reshaped philosophy and still challenges thinkers today.
In works such as A Treatise of Human Nature and An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding, Hume argued that all our ideas derive from experience, and famously questioned whether we can ever truly justify our belief in cause and effect. His writing on religion, morality, and the limits of reason was so bold that some of it was published only after his death.
Hume was also a celebrated historian and a genial, much-loved figure in Edinburgh's intellectual world. His ideas deeply influenced later philosophers, including Kant, who credited Hume with awakening him from his 'dogmatic slumber.'
His prose is elegant and clear. Our editions present his ideas cleanly. Read a selection free, and read or listen with a membership.
David Hume in the library · 3 works
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Dialogues Concerning Natural Religion
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Frequently asked questions about David Hume
What did David Hume write?
Hume's major philosophical works are A Treatise of Human Nature, An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding, and An Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals. He also wrote the Dialogues Concerning Natural Religion, many influential essays, and a best-selling History of England. His philosophical Enquiries are his most widely read works.
What is David Hume best known for?
Hume is best known for his rigorous empiricism and skepticism — the view that all knowledge comes from experience, and his famous challenge to our idea of cause and effect. He argued that we never actually observe causation, only one event repeatedly following another. This 'problem of induction' remains one of philosophy's deepest puzzles.
Where should I start with Hume?
An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding is the best starting point — it presents his key ideas about knowledge and causation more clearly and concisely than his earlier, longer Treatise. His essays are also accessible and often surprisingly readable. Beginning with the Enquiry gives the clearest path into his thought.
How did Hume influence later philosophy?
Hume's skeptical challenge to reason and causation profoundly shaped later thought, most famously waking Immanuel Kant from what Kant called his 'dogmatic slumber' and prompting Kant's entire critical philosophy. Hume also influenced empiricism, the philosophy of science, and ethics. His clear, uncompromising analysis still frames debates today.
Is Hume hard to read?
Hume writes with unusual clarity and elegance for a philosopher, especially in his Enquiries and essays, so he is more approachable than many. His arguments still require careful thought, and his 18th-century style is formal. A clear modern edition makes his reasoning easier to follow.
When did David Hume live?
Hume lived from 1711 to 1776, a central figure of the Scottish Enlightenment in Edinburgh. He published his major philosophical works in the 1730s and 1740s and his History of England in the 1750s. Some of his boldest writing on religion appeared only after his death.
Where can I read Hume for free?
Hume's works are in the public domain and freely available. His original 18th-century prose is formal. Here you can read a selection free in clear modern English, and read or listen with a membership.
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