Hume's Scepticism: Pyrrhonian and Academic

Peter S. Fosl offers an original and radical interpretation of David Hume as a thoroughgoing sceptic on epistemological, metaphysical, and doxastic grounds, situating his thought historically in the sceptical tradition and interpreting his conceptual apparatus. This contribution to Hume scholarship advances historical and logical reasons for the conclusion that Hume is a radical sceptic.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 392 pages
\n Publication date: 31 August 2021
\n Publisher: Edinburgh University Press
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A comprehensive and deeply researched exploration of skepticism,Peter S. Fosl presents a fresh and unconventional interpretation of David Hume's skepticism, departing from prevailing contemporary perspectives. By contextualizing Hume's thought within the broader tradition of skepticism, Fosl delves into the intricate nuances of Hume's philosophical framework, encompassing his Treatise, Enquiries, Essays, History, Dialogues, and letters. This groundbreaking contribution to Hume scholarship not only provides historical evidence but also logical arguments to support the conclusion that Hume is a steadfast and radical skeptic.

Fosl begins by situating Hume's philosophical development within the historical context of skepticism, highlighting the influence of ancient Greek philosophers such as Pyrrho and Sextus Empiricus on his thought. He then delves into the core concepts and arguments employed by Hume, examining his skepticism about knowledge, reality, and morality.

One of the central themes in Fosl's interpretation is Hume's rejection of the idea of innate ideas or concepts of mind. According to Hume, these ideas are not derived from experience but are instead imposed on us by our upbringing and cultural conditioning. Instead, Hume argues that our perceptions and ideas are shaped by the accumulation of sensory data and the processes of reasoning and inference.

Fosl further explores Hume's skepticism about the existence of God and the soul. Hume argues that the concept of God is merely a product of human imagination and that there is no empirical evidence to support the existence of the soul. He challenges the traditional arguments for the existence of God, such as the design argument and the ontological argument, and suggests that they are based on flawed assumptions and logical fallacies.

In addition to his skepticism about knowledge and reality, Hume also extends his skepticism to the field of morality. He argues that moral judgments are not based on objective facts or universal principles but are instead influenced by our personal experiences, cultural norms, and social conventions. Hume suggests that moral values are subjective and that there is no universal moral law that applies to all individuals at all times.

Fosl's interpretation of Hume's skepticism is comprehensive and nuanced, covering a wide range of topics and arguments. He provides a fresh perspective on Hume's thought, challenging traditional interpretations and offering a more radical and comprehensive understanding of his philosophical legacy.

This significant contribution to Hume scholarship not only advances our understanding of Hume's philosophy but also has broader implications for the study of skepticism and philosophy in general. Fosl's interpretation challenges the notion that skepticism is merely a negative or pessimistic position and suggests that it can be a valuable tool for philosophical inquiry and exploration.

In conclusion, Peter S. Fosl's interpretation of David Hume's skepticism is a groundbreaking and thought-provoking exploration of one of the most influential philosophers of the past. By contextualizing Hume's thought within the broader tradition of skepticism and providing a comprehensive and nuanced analysis of his philosophical framework, Fosl offers a fresh and unconventional perspective on Hume's skepticism. This contribution to Hume scholarship not only advances our understanding of Hume's philosophy but also has broader implications for the study of skepticism and philosophy in general.

\n Weight: 549g\n
Dimension: 234 x 156 x 21 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781474451130\n \n