Day 17: David Hume (1711–1776)

A Scottish Enlightenment philosopher, known for his skepticism and empiricism.

Biography of David Hume

David Hume, born on May 7, 1711, in Edinburgh, Scotland, stands among the most significant figures in the history of Western philosophy and the Scottish Enlightenment. Hume grew up in a modestly prosperous family, and despite the early death of his father, he received a comprehensive education at the University of Edinburgh. Rather than pursuing a career in law as expected, Hume dedicated himself to a life of scholarship and literary endeavor. His early efforts to secure a university position were thwarted, likely due to the controversial nature of his ideas. Nevertheless, Hume achieved recognition through his writings, which ranged from philosophy and economics to history and politics. He served various diplomatic roles, which took him across Europe, enriching his understanding of human nature and society. Hume died on August 25, 1776, leaving behind a legacy of skepticism and empiricism that profoundly influenced subsequent philosophical thought.

Major Ideas and Contributions

Hume’s philosophy is characterized by skepticism about metaphysical speculations and a strong emphasis on empiricism — the idea that all knowledge is derived from sensory experience. In his seminal work…