David Hume’s Theory of Knowledge: An Exposition & Evaluation

Abstract

David Hume is said to be one of the most consistent empiricists of his time. His strict consistence led to the controversial challenge of induction. Amongst other Empiricists who also had remarkable ideas, “It was Hume who consistently brought Empiricism to its logical conclusion and was prepared to accept the consequences” (Omoregbe 72) Induction as the bed rock of scientific knowledge was put to serious doubt by David Hume. In this work, the ground work of his theory of knowledge shall be presented and evaluated. Basic objections shall also be presented and evaluated accordingly. The work shall employ the critical expository method using historical material. However, effort shall be made to relate the work to contemporary times. In order words is there still value in studying old philosophical ideas? If so the easy will save to remind us in a summary form about the most consistent empiricist in history who himself had also influenced others especially Kant who confessed woke him from “dogmatic slumber.” As a scholar of History of Philosophy there are several burdens of History of Philosophy; the chronicle of ideas (who said what first, when did an epoch end and when did the other start, impact of a single Philosopher on an epoch and so on) But while under tutelage of a renowned scholar, Professor G. Ozumba, he raised a serious question that has remained unanswered, he said, “when I consider the ideas and contributions of past philosophers especially the Ancient, I wonder if they are not the real Modern and we are Ancient.” So it is useful for us to take a hind view of some notable Philosophers and do analytical exercise with their ideas.