hume

Question 1

24. What is the origin of impressions for Hume? (1 mark)

Answer 1

Impressions come from immediate sensory experiences and feelings.

Question 2

25. What is the origin of ideas for Hume? (1 mark)

Answer 2

Ideas are derived from impressions - they are faint copies of sensory experiences

Question 3

26. Explain the distinction between impressions and ideas for Hume. (4 marks)

Answer 3

• Impressions are vivid, immediate & lively (e.g., sensations, emotions)
• Ideas are faint, derived, & less forceful (e.g., memories, images)
• Ideas can be complex, but they are always traceable to prior impressions
• If an idea cannot be traced to an impression

Question 4

27. What are the 3 ways in which Hume says ideas associate with each other? (3)

Answer 4

• Resemblance
• Contiguity in time or place
• Cause and effect

Question 5

28. What are the 3 characteristics of a causal relation for Hume? (3 marks)

Answer 5

• Contiguity (cause & effect are near each other)
• Temporal priority (cause precedes effect) - Constant conjunction (regular association in experience)

Question 6

29. Does the mind perceive objects or impressions according to Hume? (1 mark)

Answer 6

• Impressions

Question 7

30. What are the 2 kinds of knowledge statements captured by Hume’s fork? (3 marks)

Answer 7

• Relations of ideas (e.g. mathematics & logic - necessary & analytic) - Matters of fact (empirical truths - contingent & synthetic)