David Hume (1711-1776), philosopher, historian, and essayist, is widely considered to be Britain's greatest philosopher.One of the leading intellectual figures of the Scottish Enlightenment, his major works and central ideas, especially his radical empiricism and his critique of the pretensions of philosophical rationalism, remain hugely influential on contemporary philosophers. This comprehensive and accessible guide to Hume's life and work includes 21 specially commissioned essays, written by a team of leading experts, covering every aspect of Hume's thought. The Companion presents details of Hume's life, historical and philosophical context, a comprehensive overview of all the key themes and topics apparent in his work, including his accounts of causal reasoning, scepticism, the soul and the self, action, reason, free will, miracles, natural religion, politics, human nature, women, economics and history, and an account of his reception and enduring influence. This is an essential reference tool for anyone working in the fields of Hume Studies and Eighteenth-Century Philosophy.
Editor's Introduction; Part I: Life and Context; 1. Hume's Life and Intellectual Context Christine Battersby; Part II: Themes and Topics; 2. Ideas and Impressions Galen Strawson; 3. Hume's Positive Account of Causal Reasoning Peter Millican; 4. Scepticism About Causal Reasoning Duncan Pritchard. 5. Causation and Necessary Connection Helen Beebee; 6. Philosophy and Intellectual Pathology Christopher Hookway; 7. Scepticism and 'True' Philosophy Alan Bailey; 8. Hume on the Soul and the Self Harold Noonan; 9. Action, Reason, and the Passions Don Garrett; 10. Free Will Helen Steward; 11. Miracles, Prophecy, and Revealed Religion Robert Fogelin; 12. Design and Natural Religion Paul Russell; 13. Psychological Explanations of Religious Belief Martin Bell; 14. The Origins of our Moral Distinctions Alexander Miller; 15. The Content of Morality Dan O'Brien; 16. Political Life and Human Nature John Horton; 17. Hume on Women Beth Savickey; 18. Hume and the Science of Economics Margaret Schabas; 19. Literary and Artistic Criticism Robert Hopkins; 20. Hume as a Historian Giuseppina D'Oro; Part III: Reception and Influence; 21. The Immediate Reception of Hume's Philosophy Susan James; 22. Hume's Enduring Legacy Edward Craig; Bibliography; Index.
