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1766 David Hume philosopher of science
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1766 David Hume philosopher of science
David Hume, Scottish enlightenment philosopher (7th May 1711 - 25th August 1776). Steel engraving by W. Holl in " Gallery of Portraits" 1837, with later colouring, from the 1766 painting by Alan Ramsay. Hume opposed the rationalists such as Descartes in believing that human passions ruled reason. In his " A Treatise of Human Nature" he tried to create a naturalistic science of man examining the psychological basis of human nature. He challenged the natural theological argument from design in his " Dialogues concerning Natural Religion" 1779. He has been seen as a founding father of cognitive science and very influential in the philosophy of science. Albert Einstein (1915) wrote that he was inspired by Humes positivism when he wrote the Special Theory of Relativity, and he also influenced (amongst others) Karl Popper, Charles Darwin, Immanuel Kant, Shopenhauer and Wittgenstein
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Media ID 6317429
© This image is Paul D. Stewart 2009. Do not reproduce without permission of the photographer at Stewartpauld@aol.com
18th Century Bible Cognitive Science Darwin Descartes Einstein Enlightenment Intelligent Design Natural Theology Philosopher Psychology Religion Scottish Agnostic Human Nature Hume Kant Paley Utilitarian
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the eminent philosopher of science, David Hume, who left an indelible mark on the Scottish Enlightenment. Created in 1766 by Alan Ramsay and later transformed into a steel engraving by W. Holl for the "Gallery of Portraits" in 1837, this piece is adorned with vibrant colors that breathe life into Hume's intellectual legacy. Hume was a staunch opponent of rationalists like Descartes, as he believed that human passions held dominion over reason. In his seminal work, "A Treatise of Human Nature" he sought to construct a naturalistic science focused on unraveling the psychological foundations of human nature. Challenging traditional theological arguments from design, Hume penned the thought-provoking "Dialogues concerning Natural Religion" in 1779. Regarded as one of cognitive science's founding fathers and an influential figure in philosophy of science, Hume's impact reverberated across disciplines. Albert Einstein himself drew inspiration from Hume's positivism while formulating his groundbreaking Special Theory of Relativity. Moreover, luminaries such as Karl Popper, Charles Darwin, Immanuel Kant, Arthur Schopenhauer, and Ludwig Wittgenstein were all deeply influenced by his ideas. In this remarkable artwork capturing Hume's essence amidst biblical motifs and symbols representing humanity itself lies a testament to his enduring influence on generations past and present. It serves as a reminder that even centuries after his passing in 1776 at age sixty-five; David Hume remains an intellectual force whose contributions continue to shape our understanding of ourselves and the world around us.
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