Theory and Practice in the Philosophy of David Hume

The author argues that the relationship between theory and practice was central to Hume, that he developedtwotheories of theory and practice (one in theTreatise of Human Nature, which separates theory and practice, another in theEnquiries, which links them), that the secular speculative philosophy of human nature in theTreatiseleads to the humanist practical philosophy of Hume'sEssays, Moral, Political and LiteraryandHistory of England, and that the foundations of Hume's political theory are history and political realism rather than custom and tradition. Although Hume is usually considered a skeptic and the originator of the 'is/ought' distinction, he genuinely believed that 'the life of virtue' is happiest and that this conclusion derived equally from philosophy and common sense. The author argues for the continuing relevance of Hume's views on human nature, common sense, practical philosophy, ethics and humanism.

James Wiley has taught at a number of universities across the USA including the Johns Hopkins University and most recently Western Michigan University.