Why Do Some Regard David Hume As One Of The Greatest Philosophers To Write In The English Language?
Edinburgh University
One of the oldest buildings at Edinburgh University in Scotland is the David Hume Tower where the humanities are based at the University.
David Hume himself was a Scotsman (1711-1776) and was probably the universities most famous student - apart from Steemit's own @mindhunter of course (being ever so modest!)
He is regarded by many as one of the greatest philosophers who ever wrote in English language, but why? Lets look at a few reasons why.
The helicopter thinker
Hume had the most excellent mind at looking past the Empiricist view of the world, and could point absurdities at the drop of a hat, and thus reduce his readers to having feltlike idiots!
He is most famous for the problem of induction and the subsequent solving of this problem
Morality was a clear issue with him, and he is famous for the ought-is distinction which is still at the focal point of modern philosophy
He could disarm any kind of wrong religious arguments within seconds, and tear apart any kind of teleological nonsense.
Based on just these facts alone, his contribution to philosophy is overwhelming to the point where I can see no other philosopher usurping him in the English language. Adam Smith and Kant for me are a close second.
The other reason he solidified his position to me was his command of the English language, and the clarity of his writing. He was both clever and up-front with his writing and always made it fun. After reading Plato's 'Republic', to read any Hume is like a fresh air walk in the park afterwards. If you don't dig Hume, you certainly don't dig philosophy.
Muse on my philosophy friends.
Come on, that's a hasty generalization isn't it?? "If you don't dig Hume you don't dig philosophy"?? hahaha....
No :)
This post has been ranked within the top 80 most undervalued posts in the first half of Apr 11. We estimate that this post is undervalued by $0.42 as compared to a scenario in which every voter had an equal say.
See the full rankings and details in The Daily Tribune: Apr 11 - Part I. You can also read about some of our methodology, data analysis and technical details in our initial post.
If you are the author and would prefer not to receive these comments, simply reply "Stop" to this comment.
I don't agree with ought-is. :^)
I don't agree with all of Hume either, but if any philosopher hits 80% of my buttons I'll choose to write about them ;)
Chic post! Thank you for pleasure!
The ole' @mindhunter #nuggetized post. Thanks for passing by @bugavi :)
http://www.ed.ac.uk/
Edinburgh University is consistently rated as one of the top #5 universities in the UK.