Lecture on Hume's Skepticism

Overview of Hume's Philosophy

• David Hume: An empiricist philosopher known for his skeptical approach.
• Two Criteria for Evaluating Beliefs:
  • Relation of Idea: Beliefs true by definition (e.g., mathematics, laws of logic, geometric truths).
  • Matter of Fact: Beliefs verifiable by experience.

Hume's Skepticism in Various Areas

1. Morality

• Hume reconstructs the foundation of morality based on his empirical criteria.

2. The Self

• Hume is skeptical about the traditional belief in the self, arguing there is no rational justification for it.

3. Miracles

• Religious Context: Important in religions like Christianity (e.g., Jesus's miracles and Resurrection).
• Hume's Argument:
  • Miracles are violations of natural laws.
  • Human experience consistently aligns with natural law, making miracles improbable.
  • Hume doesn't claim miracles are impossible but argues we aren't justified in believing they occur.
  • Given human experience, it is more probable a miracle claim is mistaken.

4. Cause and Effect

• Importance: Foundation for scientific understanding; belief that causes necessitate effects.
• Hume's Critique:
  • No necessary connection observed via experience between cause and effect.
  • Experience shows a pattern but not necessity.
  • Belief in cause/effect based on assumption of uniformity of nature (future resembling the past).
  • This belief is rooted in habit/custom, not rationality.
  • Despite lack of rational basis, abandoning the belief is not suggested.

Conclusion

• Hume challenges four major beliefs: morality, self, miracles, cause and effect.
• His skepticism raises questions about what can be rationally justified.
• Upcoming lectures will explore responses to Hume's skepticism.

Note: Hume's work remains influential in discussions on empirical evidence and rational belief.