Treatise David Hume Essay

In the Introduction of the Treatise, Hume states that many sciences are closely related and depend on the science of man, namely knowledge of human nature. Any inquiry is a human inquiry, in his word, “The science of man is the only solid foundation for the other sciences." (P4) Hume believes all he have assess to is his own experiences. Hence, according to Hume’s experimental philosophy, the study of the science of man must based on the empirical method, such as observation and experiment. It’s clear to see Hume’s project in the Treatise is to establish the general elements of the science of man based on an empirical foundation. Following empiricist John Lock’s theory of mind and knowledge, Hume also argues that the experiences, namely perceptions drive all of our knowledge and idea. In explaining how human minds work, Hume first accepts the view that we have no direct access to the external world, but have a mental entities corresponding to the physical object, namely ideas. As mentioned earlier, Hume believes that everything is traceable to experience. Hence, he begins with the

The only difference Hume identifies between impressions and ideas is their degree of force and vivacity. For example, an idea is weaker and fainter compares than the impression, because “idea is an image of impression” (1.1.1.11) it is created after we experienced it. Hume holds on the view that all ideas are based on impression, in a sense that all ideas mimic or copy the perceptions of the senses, this is also known as the copy theory. In other words, we cannot have an idea without having had an impression of the idea. For instance, a blind person will have no idea of color, nor a deaf person has an idea of sounds. Hume, like Locke, denies the existence of innate ideas. However, he does extend the meaning of “idea” as indicating all perceptions, sensations, passions, and