British Empiricism: Hume's Critique of Metaphysics, Self, and God

Introduction to British Empiricism

Empiricism is a significant philosophical tradition in English thought. While it critiques rationalism, both share common ground as heirs of Cartesian philosophy, focusing on 'ideas' as fundamental to understanding.

Metaphysics Critiqued

Hume critiques metaphysical ideas, particularly the concept of substance in its extensive, thoughtful, and infinite aspects.

Critique of the Idea of God

Hume argues against causal inferences for God's existence, asserting that such arguments illegitimately move from impressions to non-impressions. He posits that valid ideas must originate from impressions; otherwise, they should be rejected.

Impact of Causality Criticism

The empiricist criterion, limiting certain ideas to impressions, leads Hume to a critique of metaphysics, focusing on the self, the external world, and God.

Critique of the Idea of Self

If the self were a thinking substance, it would remain constant throughout life, but this is not supported by our impressions.

Critique of the Idea of the External World

Objects in the external world are reduced to our impressions, which exist only when perceived. Thus, a subsisting, independent reality outside perception cannot be confirmed.

Critique of the Idea of God

Affirming God's existence as the first efficient cause is an illegitimate step from impressions to non-impressions. Hume's critique doesn't imply atheism but shows that the idea of God transcends the limits of knowledge.

Hume defines cause and effect as two spatiotemporally contiguous facts of experience that occur together. Our knowledge of future facts is based on past habits and beliefs.

Critique of Necessary Connection

While events like fire heating water occur, Hume argues there's no necessary connection, only succession. Predicting future events relies on observing past habits.