The Riddle of Hume's Treatise

Skepticism, Naturalism, and Irreligion

Nonfiction, Religion & Spirituality, Philosophy, Modern, Religious
Cover of the book The Riddle of Hume's Treatise by Paul Russell, Oxford University Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Paul Russell ISBN: 9780199880454
Publisher: Oxford University Press Publication: February 5, 2008
Imprint: Oxford University Press Language: English
Author: Paul Russell
ISBN: 9780199880454
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Publication: February 5, 2008
Imprint: Oxford University Press
Language: English

Although it is widely recognized that David Hume's A Treatise of Human Nature (1729-40) belongs among the greatest works of philosophy, there is little aggreement about the correct way to interpret his fundamental intentions. The solution to this riddle depends on challenging another, closely related, point of orthodoxy: namely, that before Hume published the Treatise he removed almost all material concerned with problems of religion. Russell argues, contrary to this view, that irreligious aims and objectives are fundamental to the Treatise and account for its underlying unity and coherence. It is Hume's basic anti-Christian aims and objectives that serve to shape and direct both his skeptical and naturalistic commitments. When Hume's arguments are viewed from this perspective we can solve, not only puzzles arising from his discussion of various specific issues, we can also explain the intimate and intricate connections that hold his entire project together. This "irreligious" interpretation provides a comprehensive fresh account of the nature of Hume's fundamental aims and ambitions in the Treatise. It also presents a radically different picture of the way in which Hume's project was rooted in the debates and controversies of his own time, placing the Treatise in an irreligious or anti-Christian philosophical tradition that includes Hobbes, Spinoza and freethinking followers. Considered in these terms, Hume's Treatise constitutes the crowning achievement of the Radical Enlightenment.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Although it is widely recognized that David Hume's A Treatise of Human Nature (1729-40) belongs among the greatest works of philosophy, there is little aggreement about the correct way to interpret his fundamental intentions. The solution to this riddle depends on challenging another, closely related, point of orthodoxy: namely, that before Hume published the Treatise he removed almost all material concerned with problems of religion. Russell argues, contrary to this view, that irreligious aims and objectives are fundamental to the Treatise and account for its underlying unity and coherence. It is Hume's basic anti-Christian aims and objectives that serve to shape and direct both his skeptical and naturalistic commitments. When Hume's arguments are viewed from this perspective we can solve, not only puzzles arising from his discussion of various specific issues, we can also explain the intimate and intricate connections that hold his entire project together. This "irreligious" interpretation provides a comprehensive fresh account of the nature of Hume's fundamental aims and ambitions in the Treatise. It also presents a radically different picture of the way in which Hume's project was rooted in the debates and controversies of his own time, placing the Treatise in an irreligious or anti-Christian philosophical tradition that includes Hobbes, Spinoza and freethinking followers. Considered in these terms, Hume's Treatise constitutes the crowning achievement of the Radical Enlightenment.

More books from Oxford University Press

Cover of the book The Politics of Immigration by Paul Russell
Cover of the book James Madison and the Struggle for the Bill of Rights by Paul Russell
Cover of the book The OUPblog Tenth Anniversary Book by Paul Russell
Cover of the book 20 Things to Know about Deep Brain Stimulation by Paul Russell
Cover of the book Sports and Freedom by Paul Russell
Cover of the book Ontology Without Borders by Paul Russell
Cover of the book Sharp's Dictionary of Power and Struggle by Paul Russell
Cover of the book Invisible City by Paul Russell
Cover of the book Basic Electrophysiological Methods by Paul Russell
Cover of the book The New American Militarism : How Americans Are Seduced By War by Paul Russell
Cover of the book The Woman Who Decided to Die by Paul Russell
Cover of the book The Hidden Cost of Being African American by Paul Russell
Cover of the book The Fall of the Roman Empire: A New History of Rome and the Barbarians by Paul Russell
Cover of the book The News Media by Paul Russell
Cover of the book American Opinion on Trade by Paul Russell
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy