David Hume Life Flashcards
When was he born?
1711
When did he die?
1776
Where was he from?
He was Scottish
What did he aim to apply the science of?
Aimed to apply the science of Newton to philosophical questions, which led him to challenge Christian beliefs
Who was his father?
A lawyer
What was Hume sent to do?
At the age of 12, he was sent to study law at Edinburgh University - he hated it.
Who did he encounter?
Radical philosophers, involved in a ‘new scene of thought’, who aimed to test beliefs scientifically
What did Church do?
It banned him from being a professor of moral philosophy
How did he earn his living?
As a banker, tutoring a Marquess, being secretary to the British Ambassador in Paris, and serving as Under Secretary of State.
As secretary to the British Ambassador in Paris, who did he mix with?
Les Philosophes
What was his most controversial book?
“Dialogues Concerning Natural Religion” (objects to the design argument) - it was only published after his death.
