A Treatise of Human Nature · Chapter
Book I: Of the Understanding explained
This foundational chapter introduces Hume's empiricist philosophy, distinguishing between impressions and ideas, and establishing the principles of association that govern thought.
What happens
This foundational chapter introduces Hume's empiricist philosophy, distinguishing between impressions and ideas, and establishing the principles of association that govern thought. It lays the groundwork for his skeptical inquiries into causality, the self, and morality.
Themes in this chapter
Empiricism and the Primacy of Impressions
Hume establishes that all ideas derive from impressions, grounding knowledge in sensory experience.
Association of Ideas
The principles of resemblance, contiguity, and cause and effect govern the connection of ideas.
Characters to notice
- David Hume
Author and narrator, presenting his philosophical system.
- Mr. Locke
Referenced as a predecessor in the discussion of ideas.
Key passages
“All the perceptions of the human mind resolve themselves into two distinct kinds, which I shall call IMPRESSIONS and IDEAS.”
Every mental content is either an impression (a vivid sensation or feeling) or an idea (a faint copy of an impression).
This foundational distinction sets the stage for empiricism.
“There is a secret tie or union among particular ideas, which makes the mind associate them together in a certain manner.”
Ideas are connected by hidden principles that lead the mind to move from one to another.
Introduces the association of ideas as a core mechanism.