David Hume Quiz

David Hume (1711-1776) was enrolled in Edinburgh University at the age of 12 and left around 2 years later. After leaving University and before pursuing philosophy, what was the philosopher encouraged to study?

• Astronomy

• Law

• Logic

• Music Theory

According to Hume, what is the difference between belief and fiction?

• The level of detail in the imagined scenario

• The ability to control one's thoughts

• The existence of a specific sentiment or feeling

• The clarity of the imagined events

David Hume introduced the Copy Principle as a fundamental concept of human nature. Which of the following best describes the principle?

• Human understanding is based on reasoning alone, independent of sensory experience.

• Complex impressions are the sole source of all ideas

• All knowledge is innate and pre-existing within the mind.

• Simple impressions precede and cause their corresponding simple ideas

Hume divides objects of human reason into two types: 

a) Relation of Ideas

b) Matters of Fact. 

Consider this phrase: "The sun will rise tomorrow". 

What would Hume classify this statement as, and why?

• Relation of Ideas: this phrase's truth can be discovered through reason alone

• Matter of Fact: this proposition can be demonstrated to be false/correct by experience

• None: this is an Impression

• Matter of Fact: this proposition is true because it is universally accepted that the sun will rise tomorrow

Hume divides reason into two elements: impressions, which proceed from the senses, and ideas, which are copies of these impressions, and remain in our minds more ambiguously.

At the same time, the philosopher explores the difference between "conjunction" and "connexion" of objects.

He argues that the relation between cause and effect can..

• Can always be clearly established, as experience allows us to experience a succession of events, and therefore we can establish this relationship

• Can never be fully established: we do not have any sensible experience of the cause-and-effect relationship between two objects, which means we have no impression of such a connection. Consequently, we can only state there is a "conjunction" between both.

• Can sometimes for certain, individual cases, such as the existence of god or the individual

• Could be established in most cases, but it is important for us to never use it in any way, as it is completely unreliable: there is no impression of the connection

Read the following statement:

"Plato and Hume are both rationalists: senses should not be trusted, and therefore all knowledge comes through reason. While Plato creates the divide between innate objects and contingent objects, Hume creates a divide between impressions and ideas, where impressions and innate objects are to be the true sources of knowledge, as they proceed from reason"

 

This statement is:

• Wrong: Plato and Hume are both empiricists. Ideas and innate objects are the true source of knowledge: they both proceed from the senses

• Right: Plato and Hume are both rationalists

• -

• • -

David Hume worked on the development of an empirical science of human nature. Which answer best encapsulates David Hume's empiricist philosophy?

• Science relies exclusively on experience and observation for its foundation

• "Cogito, ergo sum" (I think, therefore I am)

• Divine revelation offers guidance for scientific foundations

• Abstract reasoning unveils truths about the universe's nature

Aristotle asserts the existence of God to be the ultimate creator of movement: he is the "unmoved mover". 

Other Philosophers support this view, and also state how the true principle of every effect are God´s intentions. 

When facing enquiries about the existence of God, Hume would...

• Completely agree: God agitates external objects and causes all sensations in the mind.

• Partially agree: the existence of God classifies as a universal truth. Yet, the cause and effect phenomenon still has to be looked into.

• Completely disagree: this assurance is beyond our faculties, and we therefore cannot gain an impression of this being. Therefore, it is clear how Hume could be said to support skepticism.

• Completely disagree: this assurance is beyond our faculties, and we consequently cannot gain an impression of this being. Therefore, it is clear how Hume could be said to reject skepticism.

Aristotle asserts the existence of God to be the ultimate creator of movement: he is the "unmoved mover". 

Other Philosophers support this view, and also state how the true principle of every effect are God´s intentions. 

When facing enquiries about the existence of God, Hume would...

• Completely agree: God agitates external objects and causes all sensations in the mind.

• Partially agree: the existence of God classifies as a universal truth. Yet, the cause and effect phenomenon still has to be looked into.

• Completely disagree: this assurance is beyond our faculties, and we therefore cannot gain an impression of this being. Therefore, it is clear how Hume could be said to support skepticism.

• Completely disagree: this assurance is beyond our faculties, and we consequently cannot gain an impression of this being. Therefore, it is clear how Hume could be said to reject skepticism.