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Hume's Epistemology and Metaphysics: An Introduction (review)

Hume's Epistemology and Metaphysics: An Introduction (review) Hume Studies , pp. 250-255 GEORGES DICKER. Hume's Epistemology and Metaphysics: An Introduction. London and New York: Routledge, 1998. xii + 216. ISBN 0-415-16318-8, $75, cloth. ISBN 0-415-16319-6, $24.99, paper. The Preface's first sentence sketches an ambitious agenda: "The purpose of this book is to present and assess David Hume's most influential contributions to epistemology and metaphysics in a manner that does not presuppose familiarity with Hume on the reader's part and yet is sufficiently deep and rigorous to interest more advanced students" (ix). Although it is difficult to achieve such lofty aims, Dicker accomplishes the task he sets for himself in this exceptional book. In what follows, I will first selectively summarize the book before evaluating (i) its appropriateness for beginners and advanced students, (ii) its interpretation of Hume, and (iii) its assessments of Hume's claims. In the first chapter, Dicker tackles "Hume's Theory of Meaning and its Implications." He begins by explaining Hume's "principle of empiricism" that states, roughly, that every idea is ultimately derived or copied from some corresponding impression. To avoid the notorious missing-shade-of-blue exam- ple, Dicker contends that it is helpful to understand Hume's principle of empiricism as a theory about the meaning http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png Hume Studies Hume Society

Hume's Epistemology and Metaphysics: An Introduction (review)

Hume Studies , Volume 25 (1) – Jan 26, 1999

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Hume Society
Copyright
Copyright © Hume Society
ISSN
1947-9921
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Abstract

Hume Studies , pp. 250-255 GEORGES DICKER. Hume's Epistemology and Metaphysics: An Introduction. London and New York: Routledge, 1998. xii + 216. ISBN 0-415-16318-8, $75, cloth. ISBN 0-415-16319-6, $24.99, paper. The Preface's first sentence sketches an ambitious agenda: "The purpose of this book is to present and assess David Hume's most influential contributions to epistemology and metaphysics in a manner that does not presuppose familiarity with Hume on the reader's part and yet is sufficiently deep and rigorous to interest more advanced students" (ix). Although it is difficult to achieve such lofty aims, Dicker accomplishes the task he sets for himself in this exceptional book. In what follows, I will first selectively summarize the book before evaluating (i) its appropriateness for beginners and advanced students, (ii) its interpretation of Hume, and (iii) its assessments of Hume's claims. In the first chapter, Dicker tackles "Hume's Theory of Meaning and its Implications." He begins by explaining Hume's "principle of empiricism" that states, roughly, that every idea is ultimately derived or copied from some corresponding impression. To avoid the notorious missing-shade-of-blue exam- ple, Dicker contends that it is helpful to understand Hume's principle of empiricism as a theory about the meaning

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Hume StudiesHume Society

Published: Jan 26, 1999

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