David Hume · Philosophy

Impressions and Ideas

Hume builds a science of the mind on one principle: every idea is a faint copy of a prior impression of sense or feeling. Any idea that cannot be traced to an impression is empty - a test that demolishes much traditional metaphysics.

What you'll be able to recall

You learned that Hume divides all our perceptions into vivid impressions and faint ideas that copy them, and uses the rule ‘no idea without a prior impression’ as a test of meaning. Explain the principle and how it is used.

Leads to John Locke.

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