56 pages • 1 hour read •
A Treatise of Human Nature
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Book Brief
434
Book • Nonfiction
1739
Hard Press
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
David Hume's A Treatise of Human Nature, divided into three books, argues that human knowledge is based on direct experience and observation (empiricism) and that human behavior is driven by emotions rather than reason. Book 1 discusses human understanding, Book 2 explores emotions or "passions," and Book 3 delves into the origins of morals, suggesting most moral concepts stem from experiences and social relations.
Informative
Contemplative
Challenging
Serene
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
David Hume’s A Treatise of Human Nature is praised for its profound insights into human psychology and epistemology, making significant contributions to philosophy. Critics note its dense and complex prose, which may challenge readers. Nonetheless, its groundbreaking ideas render it a seminal text for students and scholars of philosophy.
Who Should Read A Treatise of Human Nature?
A reader who enjoys A Treatise of Human Nature by David Hume is likely an intellectual with a passion for philosophy and human psychology. Comparable to fans of Descartes' Meditations on First Philosophy or Kant's Critique of Pure Reason, they appreciate rigorous analysis of human thought and empirical reasoning.
Published in 1739-1740, A Treatise of Human Nature was initially a commercial failure, leading David Hume to remark that it "fell dead-born from the press."
Despite its initial reception, A Treatise of Human Nature is now considered one of the most important philosophical works, influencing thinkers such as Immanuel Kant and John Stuart Mill.
While revising the book for later editions, Hume attempted to make the work more accessible by distilling the central ideas into An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding.
Published in 1739-1740, A Treatise of Human Nature was initially a commercial failure, leading David Hume to remark that it "fell dead-born from the press."
Despite its initial reception, A Treatise of Human Nature is now considered one of the most important philosophical works, influencing thinkers such as Immanuel Kant and John Stuart Mill.
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While revising the book for later editions, Hume attempted to make the work more accessible by distilling the central ideas into An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding.
Subscribe to discover more Fun Facts!
434
Book • Nonfiction
1739
Hard Press
Adult
18+ years
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