Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding : With Hume's Abstract of a Treatise of Human Nature and a Letter from a Gentleman to His Friend in Edinburgh

by Hume, David; Steinberg, Eric

• ISBN13: 9780872202290
• ISBN10: 0872202291
• eBook ISBN(s): 9781603844888
• Additional ISBN(s): 9780915144167
• Edition: 2nd
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 1993-11-01
• Publisher: Hackett Pub Co Inc
• More Book Details

About This Book

An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding

ISBN: 9780872202290

About This Book

"An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding" by David Hume is a foundational text in the history of philosophy, offering profound insights into the nature of knowledge, reality, and human understanding. This 2nd edition, edited by Eric Steinberg, provides a comprehensive exploration of Hume's philosophical ideas, making it an essential resource for students and scholars of philosophy.

Who Uses It?

Primarily, this book is used by students and instructors in introductory philosophy courses at the college and university levels. It's also a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the principles of empiricism, skepticism, and the limits of human knowledge. Philosophers, historians of philosophy, and anyone looking to delve into the works of David Hume will find this book indispensable.

History and Editions

The 2nd edition of "An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding" has been updated to reflect the ongoing relevance of Hume's ideas in contemporary philosophical debates. This edition includes Eric Steinberg's introduction and notes that provide context and clarity to Hume's original text. The book has been a staple in philosophical education for centuries, with its influence extending beyond academia to broader intellectual discussions.

Author and Other Works

David Hume (1711-1776) was a Scottish philosopher, historian, and economist who is widely regarded as one of the most important figures in the Enlightenment. His works include "A Treatise of Human Nature," "An Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals," and "Dialogues Concerning Natural Religion." Eric Steinberg's introduction and notes in this edition offer a contemporary perspective on Hume's thought, making it accessible to both beginners and advanced scholars.

Key Features

• Comprehensive Coverage: The book provides a detailed exploration of Hume's philosophical ideas, including his empiricist approach to knowledge and his skepticism about metaphysics.
• Historical Context: The introduction by Eric Steinberg situates Hume's work within the broader intellectual landscape of the 18th century.
• Philosophical Insights: The text offers profound insights into the nature of causality, probability, and human understanding, making it a rich resource for philosophical inquiry.

Detailed Information

ISBNs and Formats

• Hardcover: ISBN-13: 9780872202290
• Other Editions:
• The book is also available in paperback format with the same ISBN.

Publication Details

• Publisher: Hackett Publishing Company, Inc.
• Publication Date: 1993
• Number of Pages: Varies by edition (typically around 200-250 pages)
• Language: English
• Item Weight: Approximately 1 pound
• Dimensions: Varies by edition

Other Editions and Formats

• Paperback: ISBN-10: 0872202291 / ISBN-13: 9780872202290
• Related ISBNs:
• For other formats or editions, please refer to the publisher's website or other online retailers.

This detailed information section provides a quick reference for all the available formats and sources for "An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding," making it easier to find and access the book in the preferred format.

Table of Contents

A Note on the Text	vi	(1)
Introduction	vii	(9)
Bibliography	xvi	(2)
Advertisement	xviii
AN ENQUIRY CONCERNING HUMAN UNDERSTANDING	1	(114)
1.--Of the Different Species of Philosophy.
2.--Of the Origin of Ideas.
3.--Of the Association of Ideas.
4.--Sceptical Doubts concerning the Operations of the Understanding.
5.--Sceptical Solution of these Doubts.
6.--Of Probability.
7.--Of the Idea of Necessary Connexion.
8.--Of Liberty and Necessity.
9.--Of the Reason of Animals.
10.--Of Miracles.
11.--Of a Particular Providence and of a Future State.
12.--Of the Academical or Sceptical Philosophy.
A LETTER FROM A GENTLEMAN TO HIS FRIEND IN EDINBURGH	115	(10)
AN ABSTRACT OF A TREATISE OF HUMAN NATURE	125	(14)
Index	139