An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding

by David Hume Narrated by Liam Johnson

Overview

"An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding" is a philosophical work written by David Hume in the 18th century. It is one of the most influential works in Western philosophy and is considered a cornerstone of modern empiricism and skepticism.

In this book, Hume investigates the nature and limits of human knowledge, arguing that all knowledge is based on our experiences and observations of the world. He asserts that we cannot know anything beyond what we have observed or experienced, and that there is no rational basis for many of the beliefs that we hold.

Hume's philosophy is deeply skeptical, and he questions many of the traditional ideas of Western philosophy, including causation, induction, and the existence of God. He argues that our beliefs in these concepts are not based on reason, but rather on habit or custom, and that they cannot be rationally justified.

Hume also explores the nature of morality and human nature, arguing that moral judgments are based on sentiment rather than reason, and that human beings are fundamentally motivated by self-interest rather than by any innate moral principles.

Overall, "An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding" is a profound and influential work that challenges many of the fundamental assumptions of Western philosophy. It is notable for its skepticism and empiricism, and for its rejection of many traditional metaphysical and theological concepts.

Editorial Reviews

Jacqueline Taylor University of San Francisco

"The 1758 edition of An Enquiry concerning Human Understanding was the first to be grouped together with A Dissertation on the Passions, An Enquiry concerning the Principles of Morals, and The Natural History of Religion. This grouping well reflects Hume's ambition to recast his earlier Treatise on Human Nature, and brings into relief his explicit criticism of religion. In four appendices, Lorne Falkenstein has thoughtfully chosen selections by Hume's contemporaries who challenge Hume on the central topics of the Enquiry: perception and reasoning, causation, and miracles. Falkenstein adds helpful notes providing further historical context. This is an excellent edition for undergraduate and graduate courses, and will be a welcome new resource for scholars."

Donald C. Ainslie University of Toronto

"David Hume's Enquiry concerning Human Understanding is a philosophical masterpiece that explores the nature of human cognition and the limits of our knowledge. This edition of the Enquiry helpfully puts the text in its historical context by presenting it alongside responses from Hume's most significant 18th-century critics: George Campbell, Thomas Reid, James Beattie, and Immanuel Kant. Lorne Falkenstein's incisive introduction and editorial comments offer readers, whether novice or expert, a sure hand as they navigate both the deceivingly straightforward text and the critics' responses."

OCTOBER 2015 - AudioFile

Hugh Ross reads Hume’s brief but important philosophical tract as the philosopher himself might, thinking his ideas through as he speaks, explaining them in an avuncular fashion, sounding as if he’s anxious to make them understood—while his skeptical inquiry devastatingly undermines cause and effect, free will, miracles, and skepticism. Ross’s use of intonation, emphasis, and expressiveness to mirror and, in a way, explicate the sense of the text is highly skilled. His British-accented voice is pleasant and clear, and his manner accessible, fitting Hume’s essayistic tone and famous clarity of style (though the arguments do demand close attention). Hume’s writing and Ross’s expressive rendering make listening to this text an enjoyable, thought-provoking walk to the edge of an epistemological cliff and over. W.M. © AudioFile 2015, Portland, Maine

Product Details

BN ID:	2940177989730
Publisher:	Stream Readers
Publication date:	03/02/2023
Edition description:	Unabridged

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