# Book II: Of the Passions explained — A Treatise of Human Nature

> Chapter companion for A Treatise of Human Nature by David Hume.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### David Hume

The author and primary investigator, presenting his theory of the passions.

## Key lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_treatise_of_human_nature_se/chapters/book-ii-of-the-passions
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_treatise_of_human_nature_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_treatise_of_human_nature_se/chapters