David Hume (1711-1776), philosopher, historian, and
essayist, is widely considered to be Britain's greatest philosopher.One of the leading intellectual figures of
the Scottish Enlightenment, his major works and central ideas, especially his
radical empiricism and his critique of the pretensions of philosophical
rationalism, remain hugely influential on contemporary philosophers.
This comprehensive and accessible guide to Hume's
life and work includes 21 specially commissioned essays, written by a team of
leading experts, covering every aspect of Hume's thought. The Companion presents details of Hume's
life, historical and philosophical context, a comprehensive overview of all the
key themes and topics apparent in his work, including his accounts of causal
reasoning, scepticism, the soul and the self, action, reason, free will,
miracles, natural religion, politics, human nature, women, economics and
history, and an account of his reception and enduring influence. This is an
essential reference tool for anyone working in the fields of Hume Studies and Eighteenth-Century
Philosophy.