Publication Details

Abstract

The article offers an interpretation of several issues of Hume’s Treatise on Human Nature. It shows how the constitution of the Self in the indirect passion of pride and in the context of affection is according to Hume the necessary condition of philosophy in general. Following is a brief description of how the author’s interpretation derives from the shifts in the interpretations of Hume’s Treatise in Smith, Árdal, Livingstone, Baier, and Harris. Contrary to earlier interpretations the influence on these philosophers of the theories of the Treatise’s Second Book (namely the questions of personal Self and passions) as well as Hume’s conception of curiosity from the Treatise ́s First Book Conclusion is depicted. It enables us to better understand the meaning of the latter, as well as personal motivation of a person’s commitment to philosophy.