David Hume’s Life and Thought
David Hume was an influential figure of the Enlightenment period, a time characterized by intellectual exploration and emphasis on reason, science, and empirical evidence as central to understanding the world. Born on May 7, 1711, in Edinburgh, Scotland, Hume became one of the most prominent philosophers and historians of his time. His work spanned various disciplines, including history, economics, and political theory, but he is best remembered for his contributions to philosophy.
Hume was the second son of Joseph Home, a modestly wealthy advocate, and Katherine Falconer. Following the death of his father when David was just a child, his mother ensured his education continued. At the age of 12, Hume entered the University of Edinburgh, where he initially studied law, but his real interests soon veered toward philosophy and literature. Despite not completing a formal degree, his experiences at university laid the groundwork for his later intellectual endeavors.
The Enlightenment period, also known as the Age of Reason, was a pivotal era in European history that spanned the 17th and 18th centuries. During this time, thinkers sought to challenge traditional authority and relied on reason and empirical inquiry to shape modern thought. It was a time when the scientific revolution had already paved the way for questioning established beliefs, placing an emphasis on observation and evidence to draw conclusions. Philosophers and intellectuals sought to build systems of knowledge free from the constraints of dogma and superstition. This vibrant context provided the backdrop to Hume’s intellectual development.
Hume spent much of his early life devouring books and writing extensively, although his initial forays into publication were not well received. His first major work, A Treatise of Human Nature, was published in 1739–1740, when Hume was in his late twenties. Though the work is now considered a foundational text in philosophy, it went largely unnoticed at the time. Undeterred, Hume revised his ideas and presented them in other formats, eventually gaining recognition for his intellectual rigor and style.
During this period, Edinburgh and Scotland as a whole were vital hubs of intellectual activity. The Scottish Enlightenment was in full swing, with figures such as Adam Smith, Francis Hutcheson, and Thomas Reid contributing to a flourishing culture of learning and debate. Hume was deeply embedded in this intellectual movement, which distinguished itself by advocating for practical applications of philosophy to improve society. Though his skepticism and empirical methods occasionally put him at odds with religious authorities, he found himself in the company of many like-minded thinkers who shared his enthusiasm for reason and inquiry.
Over the course of his life, Hume held several notable positions. From 1745 to 1746, he briefly worked as a tutor and later became a secretary to generals during military expeditions. His employment as a librarian at the Advocates Library in Edinburgh provided him with access to an extensive collection of books and materials, a circumstance that influenced his historical writings. One of Hume’s most celebrated works came as a historian, with the publication of The History of England, a series of volumes written between 1754 and 1762. These chronicles earned him financial stability and widespread acclaim, surpassing the fame of his philosophical works during his lifetime.
Hume was also known for his sociable and charming demeanor. He maintained friendships with many key figures of his era, including the economist Adam Smith, who authored The Wealth of Nations, and the French encyclopedist Denis Diderot. Hume’s time in France brought him into contact with prominent Enlightenment thinkers such as Voltaire and Jean-Jacques Rousseau. Despite differences in temperament and philosophy, Hume formed an especially notable connection with Rousseau, although their relationship ended in a public and dramatic falling out.
Despite his widespread admiration, Hume’s life was not without controversy. His skepticism about religion and his reputation as a fervent advocate of empiricism led to accusations of atheism, which hindered his opportunities for academic appointments. For example, attempts to secure a teaching position at the University of Edinburgh were blocked, likely due to his perceived heterodox views. Though he rarely publicly aligned himself with atheism, Hume’s work frequently critiqued traditional religious ideas, which made him a polarizing figure in both Scotland and abroad.
The latter part of Hume’s life saw him return to his birthplace, Edinburgh, where he spent his final years in relative tranquility. He continued to write and correspond with other intellectuals, solidifying his legacy as one of the leading figures of the Enlightenment. Hume passed away on August 25, 1776, at the age of 65, after a battle with illness. By the time of his death, his reputation as a philosopher and historian had begun to shape the intellectual traditions of Europe and beyond.
David Hume’s biography is a testament to his time—a period of questioning, innovation, and a willingness to break free from established norms. Living at the heart of the Enlightenment, he contributed to the formation of a modern intellectual landscape while maintaining an enduring influence on subsequent generations of thinkers. Whether through his historical writings or his philosophical works, Hume exemplified the ideals of reason, inquiry, and the pursuit of knowledge that defined the age in which he lived.
Key Ideas in David Hume’s Philosophy
- Aquinas, Hume and Kant on the Cosmological Argument for God’s Existence
- David Hume’s Philosophy and aesthetics
- David Hume’s Philosophy and association of ideas
- David Hume’s Philosophy and causation
- David Hume’s Philosophy and custom and habit in human behavior
- David Hume’s Philosophy and empiricism
- David Hume’s Philosophy and free will
- David Hume’s Philosophy and miracles
- David Hume’s Philosophy and moral sentiment
- David Hume’s Philosophy and natural religion
- David Hume’s Philosophy and personal identity
- David Hume’s Philosophy and reason versus passion
- David Hume’s Philosophy and skepticism
- David Hume’s Philosophy and the problem of induction
- David Hume’s Philosophy: Human understanding, impressions and reflections
- David Hume’s Philosophy: Utility as a guide to judgments about value and morality