PHIL 372 Hume's Treatise on Human Nature (Not offered 2004-2005)(W)
Hume's Treatise on Human Nature, one of the greatest books in the history of philosophy, still exerts a considerable influence on epistemology, metaphysics, philosophy of science, philosophy of action, ethics (both normative and meta-ethics) and moral psychology. Unfortunately, the relevance of Hume's ideas and arguments for particular philosophical disciplines has, too often, led to a piece-meal reading of his work: epistemologists don't seem to think that Hume's account of human psychology, morality and taste can in any way illuminate his treatment of skepticism and natural belief, while moral philosophers often neglect Hume's conclusions about the limits of our knowledge in analyzing his conception of motivation, action and obligation. This course will devote roughly equal time and attention to all three books of the Treatise ("Of the Understanding", "Of the Passions" and "Of Morals"), with the aim of providing an understanding of Hume's "science of human nature", his main project in the Treatise as a whole. We will need to situate Hume's ideas and problems within the historical tradition in which he thinks and against which the Treatise is directed; in order to do so, we will read excerpts from the works of thinkers whose influence is visible in his work: Descartes, Locke, Berkeley and Newton, as well as some lesser known figures. For clarification and discussion of the points made in the Treatise, we will read parts of Hume's later works, especially the two Enquiries. Throughout the course, our reading of Hume will be supplemented, on the one hand, by historical and interpretive essays on his work, and on the other, by the works of contemporary philosophers engaged in the problems and questions raised in the Treatise. For example, we will read some of the present-day discussions of skepticism, causation, inductive inference, the self, nature of emotions, motivation and action, virtues and moral obligation. Throughout the course, however, our focus will be on three broad issues: Hume's conception of theoretical rationality, his conception of practical rationality, and his views about the role and relevance of non-rational (on some readings, irrational) elements in a good life of a wise person. Format: seminar-lectures or presentations, followed by extensive discussion. Requirements: class presentation, three short papers, and either one long paper or a second class presentation and a fourth short paper. Prerequisites: Philosophy 101 and 102; or permission of the instructor. Enrollment limit: 19 (expected: 5-10).