Hume on Testimony

Hume's conception of testimony is explored in this book, which argues that he is an anti-reductionist who considers social factors in testimonial trust and the role of history in shaping our knowledge of human nature. It integrates his views on sympathy, belief, pride, and epistemic responsibility with his analysis of testimony.

Format: Hardback
Length: 176 pages
Publication date: 21 October 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Hume's groundbreaking work on testimony stands as the first dedicated exploration of his intricate conception. Often perceived as a reductionist, Hume's perspective suggests that trust in others hinges on individuals possessing evidence regarding the reliability of texts or speakers. This account is derived from Hume's essay on miracles in An Enquiry concerning Human Understanding. However, OBrien expands his analysis beyond the miracles essay, delving into what Hume says about testimony in various other writings, including the Treatise, the Moral Enquiry, the History of England, and his Essays.

It is crucial to recognize that testimonial exchanges possess social dimensions that cannot be solely explained by evaluating the reliability of testifiers. Hume's conception of testimony is intricately intertwined with his account of how history informs our understanding of human nature, the relationship between sympathy and belief, the interplay between pride and self-conception, the role of social factors in judging intellectual virtue, and the significance Hume assigns to epistemic responsibility and the moral and personal dimensions of testimonial trust. To fully comprehend testimony, it is essential to consider not only its epistemic aspects but also other facets of our nature, such as sympathy, wisdom, history, morality, virtue, aesthetic judgment, the self, and character.

OBrien makes a compelling argument that Hume's reliance on the social extends deep, rendering him an anti-reductionist with respect to testimony. This book will be of immense interest to researchers and advanced students engaged in the study of Hume and in exploring early modern and contemporary approaches to the epistemology of testimony. It offers valuable insights into Hume's thought and sheds light on the broader philosophical landscape concerning the nature and reliability of evidence.

Weight: 510g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367217938