Philosophy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Philosophy - Essay Example Matters of fact, which are the second objects of human reason, are not ascertained in the same manner; nor is our evidence of their truth, however great, of a like nature with the foregoing... It may, therefore, be a subject worthy of curiosity, to enquire what is the nature of that evidence which assures us of any real existence and matter of fact, beyond the present testimony of our senses, or the records of our memory. This part of philosophy, it is observable, has been little cultivated, either by the ancients or moderns; and therefore our doubts and errors, in the prosecution of so important an enquiry, may be the more excusable; while we march through such difficult paths without any guide or direction... All reasonings concerning matter of fact seem to be founded on the relation of Cause and Effect. By means of that relation alone we can go beyond the evidence of our memory and senses.† In many ways, Hume’s writings represent initial steps towards an organized psychology in the West, for he was analyzing the way that the mind operates and created models of consciousness within a philosophical framework based upon the scientific method. The skepticism of Hume is targeted at traditional superstitions, common wisdom assumptions, and even religious beliefs as these may obscure what is actually real and true by biasing the mind and perception.