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Hume and the Politics of Reason*

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  13 April 2010

Wilfried K. Backhaus
Affiliation:
Camrose, Alberta

Extract

John W. Danfor's position in David Hume and the Problem of Reason is refreshing and insightful but may be disturbing to those holding a more traditional view of Hume. The approach taken is highly accessible to those outside of the narrower circle of Humean scholarship; as well it is challenging to those who specialize in Hume's philosophy. I find that I am in general agreement with the overall thrust of Danford's work, which puts Hume's epistemological interests in the context of his political and ethical ones. Hume is cast in a conservative light, as reviving ancient philosophical attitudes to counter the brashness and thoughtlessness of the modern revolutionary thought of Descartes and Hobbes and the traditions following them.

Type
Critical Notices/Études critiques
Copyright
Copyright © Canadian Philosophical Association 1992

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References

NOTES

1 Bibby, Reginald W., Mosaic Madness: The Poverty and Potential of Life in Canada (Toronto: Stoddart, 1990).Google Scholar

2 Hume, David, Dialogues on Natural Religion (New York: Hafner, 1963).Google Scholar

3 Ibid., p. 90.

4 Bibby, Mosaic Madness, p. 206.