An Enquiry concerning Human Understanding

Fiction & Literature, Literary Theory & Criticism, British, Nonfiction, Religion & Spirituality, Philosophy
Cover of the book An Enquiry concerning Human Understanding by David Hume, OUP Oxford
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: David Hume ISBN: 9780191607363
Publisher: OUP Oxford Publication: June 14, 2007
Imprint: OUP Oxford Language: English
Author: David Hume
ISBN: 9780191607363
Publisher: OUP Oxford
Publication: June 14, 2007
Imprint: OUP Oxford
Language: English

'Commit it then to the flames: for it can contain nothing but sophistry and illusion.' Thus ends David Hume's Enquiry concerning Human Understanding, the definitive statement of the greatest philosopher in the English language. His arguments in support of reasoning from experience, and against the 'sophistry and illusion' of religiously inspired philosophical fantasies, caused controversy in the eighteenth century and are strikingly relevant today, when faith and science continue to clash. The Enquiry considers the origin and processes of human thought, reaching the stark conclusion that we can have no ultimate understanding of the physical world, or indeed our own minds. In either sphere we must depend on instinctive learning from experience, recognizing our animal nature and the limits of reason. Hume's calm and open-minded scepticism thus aims to provide a new basis for science, liberating us from the 'superstition' of false metaphysics and religion. His Enquiry remains one of the best introductions to the study of philosophy, and this edition places it in its historical and philosophical context. ABOUT THE SERIES: For over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has made available the widest range of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, helpful notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.

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

'Commit it then to the flames: for it can contain nothing but sophistry and illusion.' Thus ends David Hume's Enquiry concerning Human Understanding, the definitive statement of the greatest philosopher in the English language. His arguments in support of reasoning from experience, and against the 'sophistry and illusion' of religiously inspired philosophical fantasies, caused controversy in the eighteenth century and are strikingly relevant today, when faith and science continue to clash. The Enquiry considers the origin and processes of human thought, reaching the stark conclusion that we can have no ultimate understanding of the physical world, or indeed our own minds. In either sphere we must depend on instinctive learning from experience, recognizing our animal nature and the limits of reason. Hume's calm and open-minded scepticism thus aims to provide a new basis for science, liberating us from the 'superstition' of false metaphysics and religion. His Enquiry remains one of the best introductions to the study of philosophy, and this edition places it in its historical and philosophical context. ABOUT THE SERIES: For over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has made available the widest range of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, helpful notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.

More books from OUP Oxford

Cover of the book Public Law by David Hume
Cover of the book The War Report by David Hume
Cover of the book Principles of Electron Tunneling Spectroscopy by David Hume
Cover of the book Tax By Design by David Hume
Cover of the book Criminal Careers in Transition by David Hume
Cover of the book The End of Lawyers?: Rethinking the nature of legal services by David Hume
Cover of the book Ecology and Power in the Age of Empire by David Hume
Cover of the book Lung Cancer by David Hume
Cover of the book The Oxford Book of Health Foods by David Hume
Cover of the book Crime Control and Everyday Life in the Victorian City by David Hume
Cover of the book Clausewitz in the Twenty-First Century by David Hume
Cover of the book The Awakening: And Other Stories by David Hume
Cover of the book Communities of Respect by David Hume
Cover of the book Scotland's Populations from the 1850s to Today by David Hume
Cover of the book The Oxford Handbook of the History of Communism by David Hume
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