David Humes Flashcards
(17 cards)
When was he born ? (2)
1711
(Scotland)
Describe his family ? (3)
Some were aristocratic
father was a successful lawyer
father died when David was 2
How did he find Edinburgh Uni ? (3)
went when he was 12
(to study law)
hated law and left
What happened when he was 18 ? (5)
encountered a group of philosophers
belonged to ‘new scene of thought’
influenced by Isaac Newton, his new science
argued for a scientific basis of all knowledge
What led to his confrontation with the church ? (2)
Sceptical views of religion and existence of God
accused of being atheist
What happened in 1734 ? (2)
became a banker
travelled in France
What happened in 1739 ? (2)
published, ‘A Treatise On Human Nature’
not a success
What happened due to his atheism ? (2)
twice rejected as professor at Edinburgh Uni + Glasgow
What happened in 1742 ? (2)
published, ‘Essays, Moral and Political’
more successful
What happened in 1745 ?
became tutor to Marquess of Annandale
What happened in 1746 ?
secretary to General James St Clair
What did he do in 1752 ? (4)
Became keeper of Advocates’ Library
(At Edinburgh)
Began to publish six volumes of The History Of England
Became source of his wealth
What did he do in 1757 ? (2)
Published his influential, An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding
In which he defined what knowledge is
As secretary to lord Hertford ehat did he do ? (2)
Mixed with the French philosophers, Les philosophes
(As secretary to lord Hertford, British ambassador to France)
What did he do in 1767 ? (2)
Was appointed, Under Secretary Of State, Northern Department
(Great honour)
What did he do in 1768 ? (2)
Returned to Edinburgh to live
Began to revise his books on philosophy
When did Humes die ?
1776
(At his home in St Andrew’s square, New Town, Edinburgh)
