A Treatise of Human Nature · Chapter
Endnotes explained
The endnotes provide clarifications and elaborations on key concepts from the main text, including definitions of impressions and ideas, discussions on abstract ideas, infinite divisibility, vacuum, property and possession, and the nature o
What happens
The endnotes provide clarifications and elaborations on key concepts from the main text, including definitions of impressions and ideas, discussions on abstract ideas, infinite divisibility, vacuum, property and possession, and the nature of belief and reasoning. They also reference other philosophers and texts, offering additional context and addressing potential objections.
Themes in this chapter
Empiricism and the Primacy of Impressions
Hume clarifies his use of 'impression' and 'idea', distinguishing his terminology from Locke's and emphasizing the role of impressions as lively perceptions.
Skepticism About the External World
Hume advocates a modest skepticism regarding the real nature of objects and distances, suggesting that our knowledge is limited to appearances.
Artificial Virtues and Justice
Discusses the origin of property through relations and imagination, and the role of custom and general rules in establishing possession.
Characters to notice
- David Hume
Author of the Treatise, providing endnotes that clarify and defend his philosophical positions.
- Mr. Locke
Mentioned as having perverted the original sense of the word 'idea', and referenced in discussions on property and reasoning.
- Plato
Referenced in a Latin quotation from Cicero about the power of places to evoke memories of notable men.
Key passages
“I here make use of these terms, impression and idea, in a sense different from what is usual, and I hope this liberty will be allowed me.”
I am using the words 'impression' and 'idea' in a new way, and I hope you will permit this.
Hume redefines key terms to clarify his philosophical framework.
“If we carry our enquiry beyond the appearances of objects to the senses, I am afraid, that most of our conclusions will be full of scepticism and uncertainty.”
If we try to understand things beyond how they appear to our senses, we will likely end up with skepticism and uncertainty.
Hume expresses a cautious approach to metaphysical questions.
“Nothing is more suitable to that philosophy, than a modest scepticism to a certain degree, and a fair confession of ignorance in subjects, that exceed all human capacity.”
A philosophy like Newton's is best accompanied by a humble skepticism and an admission of ignorance about things beyond human understanding.
Hume aligns with Newtonian modesty regarding the limits of knowledge.