David Hume

David Hume was a Scottish philosopher, historian and essayist, a central figure of the Scottish Enlightenment. Working in the empiricist tradition — the view that knowledge derives from sense experience — he examined causation, arguing that our idea of one event necessarily producing another rests on habit rather than reason. He also advanced skeptical analyses of induction, personal identity, miracles and the foundations of religion. His major works include A Treatise of Human Nature (1739–40), the two Enquiries, essays on morals and politics, and a widely read multi-volume History of England. Twice passed over for university chairs, he made his living through writing, librarianship and diplomatic posts.