Studies in the Eighteenth Century Background of Hume's Empiricism

"Studies in the Eighteenth Century Background of Hume's Empiricism" is a scholarly investigation into the intellectual climate and philosophical precursors that shaped David Hume's empiricist thought. Mary Shaw Kuypers explores the intricate relationship between Hume's radical skepticism and the broader currents of 18th-century philosophy, including the influence of Newtonian science and the shifting perspectives on human nature.

The work meticulously traces how Hume's predecessors-from natural scientists to moral philosophers-provided the foundational concepts that Hume would eventually synthesize into his influential theory of knowledge. By contextualizing Hume within his own era, this study clarifies the origins of his ideas on causality, perception, and the limits of human understanding. It remains a valuable resource for students and scholars of the Enlightenment, offering deep insights into the evolution of modern epistemology and the enduring legacy of one of history's most significant thinkers.

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