Phenomenalism and Metaphysics: Hume's Philosophy

Phenomenalism

Phenomenalism is a philosophical theory that states that the only things we can know are the reality of our perceptions. These impressions are phenomena that appear, flow, and disappear without implying something permanent beyond what these impressions cause. We do not perceive anything exterior to our minds, whether these impressions respond to an external cause. The perceived object is then devoted to the mind, forming part of our mental perception.

This involves a rejection of metaphysics: there is no substance or mind behind external or internal impressions. Skepticism, as a consequence of phenomenalism, leads to:

• Our understanding is limited.
• We doubt that we can know reality beyond the mind; there is no true knowledge of the external world.
• Physical knowledge is only probable. We cannot rationally demonstrate the existence of external objects, but we believe in them in practical life.

However, this is a moderate skepticism because it raises these questions at the theoretical level but supports real life and beliefs as necessary and useful for living. The liveliness of impressions is enough to believe in the external world.

Metaphysics

Hume criticizes metaphysics based on the empiricist principle (no idea comes without an impression). He also says that neither causal inference nor inductive reasoning can be used to make judgments in the sciences. Descartes considers the metaphysical theory of substance to exist and divides it into extended, thinking, and infinite substance.

Hume criticizes substance based on the following:

• There is no impression of substance under qualities.
• When we analyze an idea, we only perceive particular impressions (color, figure).
• There is no impression of continuity that we attribute to substance.
• We group the set of impressions we receive under one object, following nominalism.
• Therefore, the idea of substance is an invention of the imagination.
• It is useful to think of something permanent in our daily lives.

He criticizes the thinking substance:

• For metaphysics, the self is the soul, which is permanent and stable.
• However, there is no impression of this idea.
• We only find changing perceptions in ourselves.
• These perceptions are united under names: self, soul.

He criticizes infinite substance (God):

• There is no impression of infinite substance.
• The idea of God is a complex idea that we form by increasing all the good qualities we see in ourselves. Therefore, it is not valid.
• However, he considers natural beliefs in God and religion necessary among men (agnosticism).