num_pages: 633
description: A Treatise of Human Nature (1739-40), David Hume's comprehensive attempt to base philosophy on a new, observationally grounded study of human nature, is one of the most important texts in Western philosophy. It's also the focal point of current attempts to understand 18th-century philosophy. The Treatise 1st explains how we form such concepts as cause &amp; effect, external existence, &amp; personal identity, &amp; to form compelling but unconfirmable beliefs in the entities represented by these concepts. It then offers a novel account of the passions, explains freedom &amp; necessity as they apply to human choices &amp; actions, &amp; concludes with detailed explanations of how we distinguish between virtue &amp; vice &amp; of the different kinds of virtue. Hume's Abstract of the Treatise, also included in the volume, outlines his 'chief argument' regarding our conception of, &amp; belief in, cause &amp; effect. The texts printed in this volume are those of the critical edition of Hume's philosophical works being published by the Clarendon Press. The volume includes a substantial introduction explaining the aims of the Treatise as a whole &amp; of each of its ten parts, extensive annotations, a glossary of terms, a comprehensive index &amp; further reading suggestions.
language: English
title: A Treatise of Human Nature
titlecomplete: A Treatise of Human Nature
genres: Theory, Politics, Academic, Philosophy, Psychology, Nonfiction, Science, Literature, 18th Century, Classics
ratings_count: 11932
series: A Treatise of Human Nature
publisher: Oxford University Press