A Treatise of Human Nature · Chapter
Book II: Of the Passions explained
This chapter introduces Hume's investigation of the passions, which he identifies as impressions of reflection.
What happens
This chapter introduces Hume's investigation of the passions, which he identifies as impressions of reflection. He outlines the distinction between original impressions (arising from the body) and secondary impressions (arising from the mind), placing the passions in the latter category. The chapter sets the stage for a detailed examination of the causes, objects, and effects of the passions, beginning with pride and humility.
Themes in this chapter
Passions and the Self
The chapter introduces the passions as a distinct class of impressions and sets the stage for exploring how they relate to the self, particularly through pride and humility.
Empiricism and the Primacy of Impressions
Hume grounds his analysis of the passions in his foundational empiricist framework, classifying them as impressions of reflection and thus tracing them back to original impressions.
Characters to notice
- David Hume
The author and primary investigator, presenting his theory of the passions.
Key passages
“Book II Of the Passions”
The second book of Hume's Treatise focuses on the nature and mechanics of human emotions and desires.
This is the title of the chapter, indicating its subject matter.