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David Hume: Why You're Probably Wrong About Everything You Know
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David Hume: Both Sides of the Coin
The philosophy of the Scottish philosopher David Hume wasn't just about being disagreeable. He was skeptical and doubtful on authority, and on himself too.
He could highlight flaws on both sides of the argument, his side and the opponent's side. His balanced and practical intellect made him a rare historical figure.
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The Limits of Reason and Logic
David Hume understood that the various beliefs and ideologies that sound reasonable and logical on the surface, are in fact irrational and emotionally driven deep down.
This way he could argue about or doubt practically any belief or thought process.
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At Ease with Contradictions
David Hume was completely at ease with contradictions. This way he could avoid getting into extremities.
He used to contradict himself by providing a counter-argument against his own statements. This way, no matter how contradictory it sounded, it provided an insight into life, which itself does not follow a linear, logical path.
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The Unbiased and Unselfish Spectator
David Hume argued that we can't always be selfish and self-centered as we are ultimately unable to live without other people.
If we do wrong to someone, the unbiased spectator in us (conscience), will see that, providing us feelings of guilt, or remorse.
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A Living Philosophy
Normally, philosophy teaches us new ways of thinking but rarely does it provide us with ways to live.
A true human is he who doubts yet is man enough to admit his mistakes.
A living philosophy sees the world as it is, without any color of belief or ideology.
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Reason Is Subject To Passion
Humans, by nature, are rationally weak but passionately motivated. Emotions are always stronger and drive action, and reasoning is often used as an excuse for inaction.
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Automatic Actions To Responses
Our emotions often trigger automatic actions which we tend to regret later. The suffering that we and others then undergo can be termed as compassion. The challenge is to distance ourselves from our automatic emotions that trigger reflex actions, or reactions.
True, responsive action has to be cultivated by being aware of our actions, habits and emotions. By checking our habits, and ensuring that whatever we do has value in it, we can get rid of our reactions, based on emotions.
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Spirituality
The term spirituality has one of two connotations: One is a classic religious one; the other is inspired by New Age Culture. Both categories embody spirituality better than cold, hard...
Reason is more of a guide
In a world where we can have complete information about everything, reason can give us certain answers. However, the world we are living in is not even close to having all the answers. In this world, words are fallible. So is perception and imagination.
Reason is then more of a guide than a symbol of truth.
The limits of understanding
There are limitations to what the human mind can understand. The mysteries of the Universe and our conscious experience are too complex to be restricted to words and formulas.
We mostly operate on faith and habit in ways that aren’t obvious.
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Nihilism
Nihilism means "nothing." It is the lack of belief in meaning or substance in an area of philosophy.
- Moral nihilism argues that moral facts cannot exist.
- Metaphysical nihilism ar...
Existentialism
Existentialism originates from Soren Kierkegaard and Nietzche. It focuses on the problems produced by existential nihilism. For instance:
- What is the point of living if life has no inherent purpose?
- How do we face the knowledge of our inevitable demise?
Existentialism emphasizes individual existence, freedom and choice.
Stoicism
Stoicism was popular in ancient Greece and Rome and is practiced by many in high-stress environments.
Stoicism focuses on how to live in a world where things don't go as planned. The idea is to accept all the things beyond your control and to focus on what you can control.