What David Hume thinks about mathematics
Scottish philosopher of the Scottish Enlightenment (1711 to 1776), born in Edinburgh; author of A Treatise of Human Nature, the Enquiries, and a History of England.
David Hume did not write this page.
We collected these quotes from things they published elsewhere, and every quote links to where it was said. They have no account here and have not endorsed this site. Quotes are word for word; the short line under each one is our own restatement, not their wording. Their own site. Is this you? Claim it or ask us to remove it. Or tell us what is wrong here.
Filter mathematics · Newest first
Only David Hume on mathematics. See everyone on mathematics
1 dated position, c. 1741–1776, in their own words. Our reading of what David Hume has said — not written or endorsed by them.
-
Our readingThe force of laws and forms of government allows conclusions almost as certain as mathematics
Their wordsSo great is the force of laws, and of particular forms of government, and so little dependence have they on the humours and tempers of men, that consequences almost as general and certain may sometimes be deduced from them, as any which the mathematical sciences afford us.
↗Essays, Moral and Political (selection; 1741-1776)gutenberg.org All 20 from this book