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Hume on Qualities

Hume on Qualities Hume Studies Volume XXII, Number 1, April 1996, pp. 49-88 PHILLIP D. CUMMINS This paper is an attempt to ascertain whether Hume's three approaches to the distinction between simplicity and complexity in Book One of A Treatise of Human Nature1 can be integrated into a consistent whole. The consistency issue will be focused on Hume's position concerning the status of qualities. I. Types of Complexity and Simplicity In the opening section of the Treatise Hume introduced a distinction between simple and complex perceptions and provided definitions for both. He wrote: There is another division of our perceptions, which it will be convenient to observe, and which extends itself both to our impressions and ideas. This division is into SIMPLE and COMPLEX. Simple perceptions or impressions and ideas are such as admit of no distinction nor separation. The complex are the contrary to these, and may be distinguished into parts. Tho' a particular colour, taste, and smell are qualities all united together in this apple, 'tis easy to perceive they are not the same, but are at least distinguishable from each other. (T 2) Though hardly a systematic explication of the distinction between simple and complex perceptions, this is http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png Hume Studies Hume Society

Hume on Qualities

Cummins, Phillip D. (Phillip Daniel)
Hume Studies , Volume 22 (1) – Jan 26, 1996
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Hume Society
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Copyright © Hume Society
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1947-9921
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Abstract

Hume Studies Volume XXII, Number 1, April 1996, pp. 49-88 PHILLIP D. CUMMINS This paper is an attempt to ascertain whether Hume's three approaches to the distinction between simplicity and complexity in Book One of A Treatise of Human Nature1 can be integrated into a consistent whole. The consistency issue will be focused on Hume's position concerning the status of qualities. I. Types of Complexity and Simplicity In the opening section of the Treatise Hume introduced a distinction between simple and complex perceptions and provided definitions for both. He wrote: There is another division of our perceptions, which it will be convenient to observe, and which extends itself both to our impressions and ideas. This division is into SIMPLE and COMPLEX. Simple perceptions or impressions and ideas are such as admit of no distinction nor separation. The complex are the contrary to these, and may be distinguished into parts. Tho' a particular colour, taste, and smell are qualities all united together in this apple, 'tis easy to perceive they are not the same, but are at least distinguishable from each other. (T 2) Though hardly a systematic explication of the distinction between simple and complex perceptions, this is

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Hume Studies – Hume Society

Published: Jan 26, 1996

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