The Oxford Handbook of Hume

David Hume (1711–1776) is widely regarded as the greatest and most influential of the English-speaking philosophers. The range of his contributions is considerable: covering issues of metaphysics and epistemology, mind and emotion, morality and politics, history, economics, and religion. Although there is little debate about the importance and significance of Hume’s philosophical contributions, there is, nevertheless, considerable debate about the interpretation of his overall philosophical achievement as well as his particular aims and intentions with respect to the specific topics he addresses. Beyond this, there is also considerable disagreement about the critical assessment or plausibility of the various arguments and positions that Hume advances. This collection aims to provide a comprehensive set of analyses and assessments of the key components and aspects of Hume’s philosophical work. The contributions are drawn from among the leading figures of contemporary philosophy and Hume scholarship with a view to providing readers not only with an understanding of the core themes and features of Hume’s philosophy but also with a clear view of the central debates concerning the interpretation and assessment of Hume’s philosophy at the present time. This volume constitutes the most substantial and ambitious collection devoted exclusively to Hume’s philosophy.