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David Hume
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A Treatise of Human Nature Paperback – March 2, 2017

by David Hume (Author)
4.1 4.1 out of 5 stars 42 ratings
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Hume’s first major work of philosophy published in 1739 when he was just 29 years old. It is made up of three books entitled “Of the Understanding”, “Of the Passions”, and “Of Morals”. In the book he uses his sceptical rationalism to create an ambitious “science of man”.
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  1. Print length
    376 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publication date
    March 2, 2017
  4. Dimensions
    6 x 0.85 x 9 inches
  5. ISBN-10
    1544024681
  6. ISBN-13
    978-1544024684
  7. See all details
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Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (March 2, 2017)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 376 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1544024681
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1544024684
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.41 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 0.85 x 9 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.1 4.1 out of 5 stars 42 ratings

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David Hume

David Hume

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Customer reviews

4.1 out of 5 stars
4.1 out of 5
42 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Mohamed M. Elsamahi
5.0 out of 5 stars ... than a few copies in the life of its great author. But why
Reviewed in the United States on May 2, 2017
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The book did not sell more than a few copies in the life of its great author. But why? The reason is obvious: in his lifetime, Hume's philosophy was above the level of his contemporaries. Of course, this book became very highly prized two centuries later, and remains one of the best books in all philosophy. Indeed, the only philosophy book that might be considered slightly better is the book that Hume himself wrote some years later to expound and explain the ideas of the "Treatise on Human Nature" in a more readable style!
3 people found this helpful
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Don Ringelestein
5.0 out of 5 stars Awoke!
Reviewed in the United States on January 26, 2016
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What else can one say about Hume? He awoke Kant from his dogmatic slumber and was one of the most original thinkers in the West since the Greeks.
One person found this helpful
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Charlie
3.0 out of 5 stars Hard to believe this is one of history's top philosophers
Reviewed in the United States on September 15, 2018
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David Hume is commonly referred to as one of the most influential philosophers and this book is one of his most significant works. I was eager to read it based on these common assumptions. I was disappointed, not only in the content, but also in the general clarity. Hume argues very circuitously and often admits he is not clear on certain subjects, which is reflected in the writings. His style is that of thinking aloud. Much worse than the style though is the content. He consistently attacks reason and the idea that any firm knowledge is possible. This of course contradicts itself, as he makes these points by the use of reason and on the presupposition that knowledge is possible, in order to arrive at the conclusions he does.

The most interesting part of the book is the first section, which deals with his ideas of impressions and concepts and sensations. He lumps all of these together and ends up with a confused mess and the conclusion that nothing is knowable. There are several explicit statements about the futility of reason.

The discussions of emotions is relateable to all readers and is somewhat interesting but suffers from a lack of clarity and constant second guessing.

It is a shame that such an important subject has Hume for one of its most famous advocates. People like him are the reason philosophy is considered esoteric and completely unrelated to practical life, which is one of the most unfortunates situation in human history, as humans are creatures driven by ideas and philosophy is at the base of this. Overall, the book is somehat long and some parts are dry but it is worth the read based on Hume's influence. I would suggest reading this but counterbalancing it with multiple other works and not assuming that this is what all philosophy is like.
7 people found this helpful
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Amazon Customer
1.0 out of 5 stars Terrible, Cheap Reprint
Reviewed in the United States on March 16, 2023
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You cannot read this work in it’s entirety due to very light print on most pages along with some sentences and paragraphs not appearing at all. I will buy this book from another provider as this is a cheap way to copy and distribute books. I will never buy from them again.
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Clayton W. Beeson
3.0 out of 5 stars Good start, but human nature, like the animal that harbors it, continues to evolve
Reviewed in the United States on August 9, 2019
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It's a difficult read, the language of the time is rambling, and Hume seems to like convoluted sentence structure that turns back on itself in an attempt to make a point. A well written treatise would use half the words.
One person found this helpful
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Denny Zhang
2.0 out of 5 stars Low quality
Reviewed in the United States on December 24, 2019
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A cheap reprint of what looks like low quality scans. Very hard to read some of the pages. Some pages were also crinkled
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Painter Jane
1.0 out of 5 stars One Star
Reviewed in the United States on January 18, 2017
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The printing is so small, you will need a magnifying glass! It never should have been printed that way!
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Top reviews from other countries

Mrs B.
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 6, 2016
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book fine
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Ming
1.0 out of 5 stars terrible quailty
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 13, 2020
Verified Purchase
Terrible quailty even my printer can do the better job.
No recommed to buy book(not sure this can be call book at all) from here.
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