Ancient Knowledge ClubA Treatise of Human NatureDavid Hume

Guided edition

A Treatise of Human Nature

by David Hume

Hume’s ambitious account of reason, emotion, habit and moral judgement.

Written 1739 to 1740 120 guided readings Named English edition Read at your own pace

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Guidance in plain English

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Key takeaways for every chapter

Finish each chapter with the ideas worth carrying forward.

Inside this edition

Read it in the order it was written.

Each reading keeps the source, context, explanation and takeaways together.

PART I.: Of Ideas, Their Origin, Composition, Connexion, Abstraction, &c

SECTION I.: Of The Origin Of Our IdeasOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways

SECTION II.: Division Of The SubjectOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways

SECTION III.: Of The Ideas Of The Memory And ImaginationOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways

SECTION IV.: Of The Connexion Or Association Of IdeasOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways

SECTION V.: Of RelationsOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways

SECTION VI.: Of Modes And SubstancesOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways

SECTION VII.: Of Abstract IdeasOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways

PART II.: OF THE IDEAS OF SPACE AND TIME

SECTION I.: Of The Infinite Divisibility Of Our Ideas Of Space And TimeOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways

SECTION II.: Of The Infinite Divisibility Of Space And TimeOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways

SECTION III.: Of The Other Qualities Of Our Ideas Of Space And TimeOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways

SECTION IV.: Objections Answer’d. Hume defends indivisible sensible points against metaphysical and geometrical objectionsOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways

SECTION IV.: Objections Answer’d. Standards of equality emerge from corrected perception rather than perfect geometrical ideasOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways

SECTION IV.: Objections Answer’d. Hume limits geometrical certainty when imagination reaches imperceptibly small differencesOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways

SECTION V.: The Same Subject Continu’d. Dark intervals suggest empty space through relations rather than a distinct impressionOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways

SECTION V.: The Same Subject Continu’d. Related ideas make empty space and changeless duration seem directly conceivableOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways

SECTION VI.: Of The Idea Of Existence, And Of External ExistenceOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways

PART III.: Of Knowledge And Probability

SECTION I.: Of KnowledgeOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways

SECTION II.: Of Probability; And Of The Idea Of Cause And EffectOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways

SECTION III.: Why A Cause Is Always NecessaryOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways

SECTION IV.: Of The Component Parts Of Our Reasonings Concerning Cause And EffectOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways

SECTION. V.: Of The Impressions Of The Senses And MemoryOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways

SECTION VI.: Of The Inference From The Impression To The IdeaOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways

SECTION VII.: Of The Nature Of The Idea Or BeliefOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways

SECTION VIII.: Of The Causes Of BeliefOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways

SECTION IX.: Of The Effects Of Other Relations And Other Habits. Causation builds a stable system of reality while resemblance and proximity amplify its forceOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways

SECTION IX.: Of The Effects Of Other Relations And Other Habits. Testimony and repetition can imitate evidence by making ideas easier and more vividOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways

SECTION X.: Of The Influence Of BeliefOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways

SECTION XI.: Of The Probability Of ChancesOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways

SECTION XII.: Of The Probability Of Causes. Contrary experience divides causal expectation in proportion to observed outcomesOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways

SECTION XII.: Of The Probability Of Causes. Evidence combines into one graded judgement, while general rules and analogy extend it beyond direct comparisonOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways

SECTION XIII.: Of Unphilosophical Probability. Recency, inferential distance, and accidental resemblance distort otherwise familiar habits of beliefOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways

SECTION XIII.: Of Unphilosophical Probability. Reflective general rules can correct the first habits that create prejudice and fearOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways

SECTION XIV.: Of The Idea Of Necessary Connexion. Necessary connection begins in the mind's customary determination, not an observed power in bodiesOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways

SECTION XIV.: Of The Idea Of Necessary Connexion. Repetition creates an internal propensity that the mind projects onto causal objects as powerOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways

SECTION XIV.: Of The Idea Of Necessary Connexion. Two definitions capture causation as constant conjunction and as customary inferenceOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways

SECTION XV.: Rules By Which To Judge Of Causes And EffectsOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways

SECTION XVI.: Of The Reason Of AnimalsOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways

PART IV.: Of The Sceptical And Other Systems Of Philosophy

SECTION I.: Of Scepticism With Regard To ReasonOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways

SECTION II.: Of Scepticism With Regard To The Senses. The senses present perceptions but cannot establish objects continuing independently beyond themOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways

SECTION II.: Of Scepticism With Regard To The Senses. Constancy and coherent change lead imagination to continue objects through gaps in perceptionOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways

SECTION II.: Of Scepticism With Regard To The Senses. Smooth transitions between resembling perceptions create the fiction of one uninterrupted objectOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways

SECTION II.: Of Scepticism With Regard To The Senses. Memory enlivens object continuity, while sensory variation forces philosophy to separate perceptions from bodiesOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways

SECTION II.: Of Scepticism With Regard To The Senses. The double existence theory compromises between dependent perceptions and irresistible belief in continuing objectsOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways

SECTION III.: Of The Antient PhilosophyOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways

SECTION IV.: Of The Modern PhilosophyOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways

SECTION V.: Of The Immateriality Of The Soul. The materiality dispute fails when substance, inherence, and the spatial location of thought lack clear contentOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways

SECTION V.: Of The Immateriality Of The Soul. The spatial problem for thought rebounds on the simple soul and exposes its resemblance to Spinoza's substanceOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways

SECTION V.: Of The Immateriality Of The Soul. Renaming perceptions actions cannot save the simple soul, while experienced conjunction permits matter to cause thoughtOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways

SECTION VI.: Of Personal Identity. The self appears as a changing bundle whose related perceptions imitate the felt continuity of one thingOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways

SECTION VI.: Of Personal Identity. Personal identity grows from resemblance, causal continuity, and memory rather than one real bond among perceptionsOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways

SECTION VII.: Conclusion Of This Book. Radical reflection drives reason towards self-destruction until ordinary life restores proportion and beliefOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways

SECTION VII.: Conclusion Of This Book. A true sceptic follows natural curiosity while remaining doubtful of both philosophical certainty and philosophical despairOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways

PART I.: Of Pride And Humility

SECTION I.: Division Of The SubjectOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways

SECTION II.: Of Pride And Humility; Their Objects And CausesOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways

SECTION III.: Whence These Objects And Causes Are Deriv’dOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways

SECTION IV.: Of The Relations Of Impressions And IdeasOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways

SECTION V.: Of The Influence Of These Relations On Pride And HumilityOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways

SECTION VI.: Limitations Of This SystemOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways

SECTION VII.: Of Vice And VirtueOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways

SECTION VIII.: Of Beauty And DeformityOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways

SECTION IX.: Of External Advantages And DisadvantagesOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways

SECTION X.: Of Property And RichesOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways

SECTION XI.: Of The Love Of FameOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways

SECTION XII.: Of The Pride And Humility Of AnimalsOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways

PART II.: Of Love And Hatred

SECTION I.: Of The Objects And Causes Of Love And HatredOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways

SECTION II.: Experiments To Confirm This System. Controlled changes in pleasure, pain, self, and other people move emotion around a four passion structureOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways

SECTION II.: Experiments To Confirm This System. Emotional transitions are directional because vivid self attention and differences in passion strength can overpower reciprocal relationsOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways

SECTION II.: Experiments To Confirm This System. Stronger passions absorb weaker related feelings, while praise and blame create a return path from self towards their personal sourceOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways

SECTION III.: Difficulties Solv’dOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways

SECTION IV.: Of The Love Of RelationsOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways

SECTION V.: Of Our Esteem For The Rich And PowerfulOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways

SECTION VI.: Of Benevolence And AngerOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways

SECTION VII.: Of CompassionOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways

SECTION VIII.: Of Malice And EnvyOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways

SECTION IX.: Of The Mixture Of Benevolence And Anger With Compassion And MaliceOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways

SECTION X.: Of Respect And ContemptOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways

SECTION XI.: Of The Amorous Passion, Or Love Betwixt The SexesOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways

SECTION XII.: Of The Love And Hatred Of AnimalsOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways

PART III.: Of The Will And Direct Passions

SECTION I.: Of Liberty And NecessityOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways

SECTION II.: The Same Subject Continu’dOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways

SECTION III.: Of The Influencing Motives Of The WillOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways

SECTION IV.: Of The Causes Of The Violent PassionsOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways

SECTION V.: Of The Effects Of CustomOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways

SECTION VI.: Of The Influence Of The Imagination On The PassionsOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways

SECTION VII.: Of Contiguity, And Distance In Space And TimeOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways

SECTION VIII.: The Same Subject Continu’dOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways

SECTION IX.: Of The Direct Passions. Direct passions arise from good and evil, while uncertainty makes the mind alternate between hope and fearOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways

SECTION IX.: Of The Direct Passions. Fear can arise from unsettled imagination even when an evil is impossible, certain, unspecified, or absent altogetherOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways

SECTION X.: Of Curiosity, Or The Love Of TruthOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways

PART I.: Of Virtue And Vice In General

SECTION I.: Moral Distinctions Not Deriv’d From Reason. Moral judgement cannot come from reason alone because it motivates action and evaluates objects that are not themselves true or falseOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways

SECTION I.: Moral Distinctions Not Deriv’d From Reason. Reason can identify relations and facts, but moral vice appears only when reflection produces a sentiment of disapprovalOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways

SECTION II.: Moral Distinctions Deriv’d From A Moral SenseOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways

PART II.: Of Justice And Injustice

SECTION I.: Justice, Whether A Natural Or Artificial Virtue?Original source, plain English guide and key takeaways

SECTION II.: Of The Origin Of Justice And Property. Stable possession emerges from shared interest when human dependence, partial affection, scarce goods, and transferable property make society both necessary and fragileOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways

SECTION II.: Of The Origin Of Justice And Property. Property and justice arise together because limited generosity and scarce transferable goods make stable possession usefulOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways

SECTION II.: Of The Origin Of Justice And Property. Justice serves interest through a general system, while sympathy with public welfare turns useful coordination into moral approvalOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways

SECTION III.: Of The Rules, Which Determine PropertyOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways

SECTION IV.: Of The Transference Of Property By ConsentOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways

SECTION V.: Of The Obligation Of Promises. Promises become intelligible through convention because society needs a credible sign that secures delayed reciprocal serviceOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways

SECTION V.: Of The Obligation Of Promises. Promise rules balance expression, intention, reliance, and coercion because their authority serves social trust rather than a mysterious act of willOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways

SECTION VI.: Some Farther Reflexions Concerning Justice And InjusticeOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways

SECTION VII.: Of The Origin Of GovernmentOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways

SECTION VIII.: Of The Source Of Allegiance. Allegiance may begin with consent but acquires an independent obligation because political order serves a distinct and continuing social interestOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways

SECTION VIII.: Of The Source Of Allegiance. Allegiance and promise keeping attract separate moral responses because political order and private trust protect different social interestsOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways

SECTION IX.: Of The Measures Of AllegianceOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways

SECTION X.: Of The Objects Of Allegiance. Political allegiance needs general rules for identifying authority because choosing rulers by each person's preferred interest would dissolve stable governmentOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways

SECTION X.: Of The Objects Of Allegiance. Competing titles rarely yield one rationally perfect ruler, so peace, liberty, constitutional limits, and public recognition guide allegianceOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways

SECTION XI.: Of The Laws Of NationsOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways

SECTION XII.: Of Chastity And ModestyOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways

PART III.: Of The Other Virtues And Vices

SECTION I.: Of The Origin Of The Natural Virtues And Vices. Moral appraisal concerns durable character, and sympathy lets spectators value qualities whose usefulness benefits other peopleOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways

SECTION I.: Of The Origin Of The Natural Virtues And Vices. A general point of view corrects variable sympathy, allowing stable moral judgement of character despite distance, private interest, and bad fortuneOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways

SECTION I.: Of The Origin Of The Natural Virtues And Vices. Virtue pleases through usefulness or agreeableness to oneself or others, judged from interests shared across spectatorsOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways

SECTION II.: Of Greatness Of Mind. Well grounded self respect supports action, while displayed conceit provokes painful comparison and requires restraint in social lifeOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways

SECTION II.: Of Greatness Of Mind. Heroic self esteem can inspire capable action and personal satisfaction while its dazzling force conceals damage to societyOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways

SECTION III.: Of Goodness And BenevolenceOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways

SECTION IV.: Of Natural AbilitiesOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways

SECTION V.: Some Farther Reflexions Concerning The Natural VirtuesOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways

SECTION VI.: Conclusion Of This Book. Sympathy completes the moral theory before the appendix returns to belief as a felt difference between conviction and imaginationOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways

SECTION VI.: Conclusion Of This Book. Belief is the firmer manner in which an idea is conceived, not a separate impression added to otherwise unchanged contentOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways

SECTION VI.: Conclusion Of This Book. The appendix limits vivacity through general rules, denies an inner impression of power, and confesses a remaining problem about personal identityOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways

Source and edition are always named.

David Hume, 1739 to 1740. The Ancient Knowledge Club guide is original and kept separate from the source text.