The Essays of David Hume
David Hume was one of the great essayists of the 18th century, writing on a breath-taking range of issues from taxation to suicide. Through reading and discussing a selection of his often overlooked essays, we will explore Hume's philosophy.
David Hume (1711–1776) published his first collection of essays in 1741. It was an instant success. Covering a wide range of issues, the essays are fascinating expressions of the Scottish Enlightenment. Further collections followed, and Hume was celebrated during his life for these elegant and thought-provoking essays. He was proud of them; as he said with typical charm and irony, they made him financially independent but opulent. Yet, there is a peculiar discrepancy: the philosophical books for which Hume is renowned now were mostly ignored in his lifetime; and what is largely ignored now are the essays that made him famous while alive.
In this course, we bring them back to life, and through them we approach several aspects of Hume’s philosophical thoughts on ethics, religion, politics, and metaphysics. The course is suited to beginners in philosophy; and participants with interdisciplinary interests (literature, arts, history) are particularly welcome.
Date created:
Course: Further details, online booking
Resources for this course
| Type | Resource | Description | People | Full details |
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The Works of David Hume |
The collected works of David Hume prepared for online reading by P. Millican and A. Merivale. |
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Hume: Essays, Moral, Political, and Literary |
All the essays in the E. Miller edition (1985, Liberty Fund) available for online reading or download. |
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Hume: Life and Works (Handout 1) |
Some notes about the life and works of David Hume. |
Peter Wyss | view |
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First coursework sheet |
A page with some questions about the readings for the second meeting ('Of the Delicacy of Taste and Passion', 'Of Simplicity and Refinement in... |
Peter Wyss | view |
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M. Martin on Hume on Taste |
A podcast in which M. Martin explores Hume's 'Of the Standard of Taste' (17 mins.). |
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Impressions, Ideas, Taste, and Beauty (Handout 2) |
Background notes about the passions and taste. |
Peter Wyss | view |
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Second coursework sheet |
Questions for 'Of the Standard of Taste' and 'Of the Rise and Progress of the Arts and Sciences'. |
Peter Wyss | view |
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Third coursework sheet |
Leading questions for 'Of the Dignity and Meanness of Human Nature' and the four happiness essays. |
Peter Wyss | view |
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The Four Essays 'on human life and happiness' (Handout 4) |
Backgound information for 'The Epicurean', 'The Stoic', 'The Platonist', and 'The Sceptic'. |
Peter Wyss | view |
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Hume, Treatise 3.3.6 ('Conclusion of this Book') |
Further reading A linked to Handout 4. |
Peter Wyss | view |
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Hume, First Enquiry I ('Of the Different Species of Philosophy') |
Further reading B linked to Handout 4. |
Peter Wyss | view |
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Hume, First Enquiry XII ('Of the Sceptical or Academical Philosophy') |
Further reading C linked to Handout 4. |
Peter Wyss | view |
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Hume, Treatise 1.4.7 ('Conclusion of this Book') |
Further reading D linked with Handout 4. |
Peter Wyss | view |
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Outline of 'Dignity and Meanness' (Handout 5) |
The revised version of a sheet that sketches the essay. |
Peter Wyss | view |
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Virtue and Utility (Handout 3) |
Some (rough) notes on Hume's moral philosophy. |
Peter Wyss | view |
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Fourth coursework sheet |
Leading questions and some background for 'Of Superstition and Enthusiasm' and 'Of Suicide'. |
Peter Wyss | view |
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The Miller edition of Hume's Essays for online reading |
This part of the Liberty Fund website hosts all of Hume's essays for online reading (and printing). |
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Hume, First Enquiry XI ('Of Providence and of a Future State') |
Further reading linked with handout 6. (Hume changed the title for the 'Enquiry'.) |
Peter Wyss | view |
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Religion: 'like Foreigners in a strange Country' (Handout 6) |
Some background information about Hume's view on religion. |
Peter Wyss | view |
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'Of the Original Contract': Outline (Handout 7) |
An attempt to summarise the essay. |
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Fifth coursework sheet |
Questions and background information for 'Of Civil Liberty', 'Of Passive Obedience', and 'Of Parties in General'. |
Peter Wyss | view |
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Politics (Handout 8) |
General background information for Hume's views of political philosophy. |
Peter Wyss | view |
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Further Analysis of OC 32-7 (Handout 9) |
More background on passages in 'Of the Original Contract' (paras. 32-7). |
Peter Wyss | view |