In the eighteenth century, the words “natural religion” referred to religious beliefs based on reason and evidence instead of revelation. In Understanding David Hume, Professor Laurence Houlgate guides beginning philosophy students through the labyrinth of arguments for and against the existence and infinite nature of God, focusing mainly on the famous Design Argument.
This is a philosophy study guide for students who want more substance than the "notes" that are found online. Professor Houlgate breaks down the more lengthy dialogues into discrete and understandable short chapters, emphasizing critical thinking, but allowing students to easily navigate through the book.
Professor Houlgate uses the same approach to help students understand Hume’s essays concerning Miracles, Suicide and Immortality of the Soul.
Questions for thought and discussion and ideas for student essays and term papers are to be found at the conclusion of each section.
Because of the frequent condemnation by the
conservative Christian clergy in England and Scotland, it is no wonder
that most of David Hume’s Dialogues and other writings on natural
religion were not published until after his death. Hume was often
accused of atheism and other heresies and was denied several university
positions, despite his rising fame in eighteenth century scholarship.
But Hume never gave up. He insured that his most contentious essays on
natural religion would be published posthumously. Although he did not
live to see it, David Hume is now regarded as one of the greatest
philosophers of the Enlightenment and his writings are considered
essential reading in most university courses in the philosophy of
religion.
---------------------------------------------------
Understanding David Hume is available at low cost in digital and print versions at Amazon.com https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07RN9HQHS
No comments:
Post a Comment