Hume’s Theory of Consciousness

This book offers a comprehensive analysis and re-evaluation of Hume’ s Treatise of Human Nature. Kant viewed Hume as the sceptical destroyer of metaphysics. Yet for most of this century the consensus among interpreters is that for Hume scepticism was a means to a naturalistic, anti-sceptical end. The author seeks here to achieve a balance by showing how Hume’s naturalism leads directly to a kind of scepticism even more radical than Kant imagined. In the process it offers the first systematic treatment of Humean associationalist psychology, including detailed exploration of his views on time-consciousness, memory, aspect-seeing, and the comparison with animal reason. Within this framework, Hume’s views on language, belief, induction, causality, and personal identity emerge in a novel and revealing light.

• The first systematic treatment of Hume’s philosophy of consciousness, currently a ‘hot’ topic in philosophy • Analyses Hume’s views on language and their importance to the history of philosophy • Argues for a closer connection between Hume and Kant’s thought

Introduction: a false reason or none at all; Part I. The Elements of Hume\'s Philosophy: 1. Impressions and ideas; 2. Imagination and the vivacity of ideas; 3. Words and measures; Part II. The Cement of the Universe: 4. Beyond the senses; 5. Custom and necessity; Part III. Vulgar Fiction and Philosophical Fallacy: 6. The true idea of the human mind; 7. From mind to body; Conclusion: the Cartesian nightmare comes true; Notes; Bibliography; Index.