Philosopher · 1711 – 1776
David Hume
Pushed empiricism to its skeptical limits in A Treatise of Human Nature, exposed the problem of induction, analyzed causation as habit rather than logical necessity, and influenced figures from Kant to modern science with his naturalistic philosophy.
Greatest Achievements
- Developed the most thoroughgoing form of empiricism and skepticism.
- Formulated the problem of induction and the analysis of causation.
- Wrote a celebrated multi-volume History of England.
Major Accomplishments
- Developed the most thoroughgoing form of empiricism and skepticism.
- Formulated the problem of induction and the analysis of causation.
- Wrote a celebrated multi-volume History of England.
Major Works
- A Treatise of Human Nature
- An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding
- Dialogues Concerning Natural Religion
- The History of England
Impact Analysis
Hume shaped epistemology, philosophy of science, ethics, and economics, and his skepticism directly provoked Kant's critical philosophy.
Historical influence score: 89/100