David Hume, an influential Scottish philosopher from the 18th century, shaped modern skepticism and empiricism. His important works include A Treatise of Human Nature and Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding.
If you enjoy reading books by David Hume then you might also like the following authors:
If you appreciate David Hume's thoughtful approach to human understanding, John Locke is an excellent author to explore. Locke's writing is clear and practical, and he often investigates human knowledge and perception.
In his influential book, An Essay Concerning Human Understanding, Locke argues that all knowledge begins with experience and observation rather than innate ideas. Readers interested in Hume's philosophy about how we come to know things will definitely enjoy Locke's perspectives.
George Berkeley is another philosopher well-suited for readers who enjoy David Hume's exploration of reality and perception. Berkeley is known for his idealist philosophy—he believes objects exist only when perceived by a mind.
In his influential book, A Treatise Concerning the Principles of Human Knowledge, he lays out his argument clearly and persuasively. Anyone intrigued by Hume's skepticism will find Berkeley's approach equally fascinating.
If David Hume's philosophy appeals to your interest in human reason and its limits, Immanuel Kant offers a complementary exploration. Kant also focuses on how we perceive and understand reality but takes a different, systematic approach.
In his groundbreaking work Critique of Pure Reason, Kant examines how our mind shapes our understanding of the world around us. Kant is insightful, rigorous, and rewarding for readers who admire Hume's thoughtful inquiries into human knowledge.
Readers drawn to David Hume's clear reasoning and interest in human behavior might consider Adam Smith. Smith writes clearly and insightfully about human nature, morality, and economics.
In his famous The Wealth of Nations, Smith explains economics through the lens of human behavior, society, and markets.
His ideas on how people and societies interact economically will especially interest those who appreciate Hume's rational and observational approach to human activity.
Francis Bacon's clear thinking and practical style will appeal to those who respect David Hume's empiricism. Bacon emphasizes careful observation, experimentation, and reasoning to gain knowledge about the world.
In his famous book, Novum Organum, he lays the groundwork for scientific discovery based on experience rather than preconceived notions. Fans of Hume's emphasis on observation and evidence-based thinking will find Bacon deeply rewarding.
Thomas Reid is a Scottish philosopher who provides an interesting contrast if you appreciate David Hume. In his book An Inquiry into the Human Mind on the Principles of Common Sense, Reid argues against some of Hume's skeptical viewpoints.
He defends common sense and practical judgments about reality. Reid writes clearly and logically, bringing philosophy back toward everyday experience and away from abstract speculation.
Voltaire is a French philosopher known for his sharp wit and satirical style. He critiques superstition, religious dogma, and the injustices of society.
Readers who enjoy Hume's skepticism and clear reasoning will appreciate Voltaire's Candide, a satirical novel that humorously critiques blind optimism and exposes human folly.
Jean-Jacques Rousseau offers a different perspective from Hume, examining society and human nature. Rousseau has a vivid and expressive style, making his texts feel personal and heartfelt.
In The Social Contract, he explores liberty, authority, and the agreement between individuals and society.
Baruch Spinoza is a philosopher whose rational, methodical style appeals to readers who appreciate clear arguments like those found in Hume's writing.
His work, Ethics, lays out his philosophical arguments in a step-by-step, logical manner, exploring themes of reality, knowledge, freedom, and emotion through carefully reasoned propositions.
Bertrand Russell is a thoughtful philosopher who writes with clarity, wit, and precision. Like Hume, he has a skeptical view of dogmatism and traditional beliefs. Russell analyzes religion, ethics, and social issues in an accessible style.
His book The Problems of Philosophy provides a concise introduction to philosophy's main issues, exploring significant questions about knowledge, reality, and truth in a lively, engaging way.
A.J. Ayer was a philosopher known for his clear and direct writing style and his support for logical positivism. If you enjoy Hume's skepticism and analysis of knowledge, you'll probably appreciate Ayer's Language, Truth, and Logic.
In this book, he argues strongly that statements must be logically verifiable to be meaningful, rejecting metaphysics and promoting empirical evidence.
Karl Popper is a philosopher focused on critical thinking and an open approach to knowledge. His skepticism toward absolute truths should appeal to fans of Hume's empiricism.
In The Logic of Scientific Discovery, Popper introduces his concept of falsifiability, arguing that scientific theories must be testable and capable of being proven false.
Montesquieu was a French Enlightenment thinker known for examining political systems and advocating for the separation of powers. His style features a careful and rational approach, similar in spirit to Hume's own thoughtful inquiry.
If you're interested in Hume's political reflections, you'd probably enjoy Montesquieu's analysis in The Spirit of the Laws, where he explores the relationships between political institutions, laws, and human nature.
Jeremy Bentham was a philosopher who emphasized clear reasoning and practical ethical considerations. Fans of Hume's empirical approach to morality might like Bentham's utilitarian philosophy.
In his book An Introduction to the Principles of Morals and Legislation, Bentham argues that laws and decisions should aim at increasing overall human happiness, a plainly reasoned approach with careful analysis and attention to consequences.
Pierre Bayle was a philosopher and writer noted for his critical thinking and skepticism toward religious dogma. Like Hume, Bayle valued rational inquiry, tolerance, and questioning authority.
If you enjoy Hume's skeptical and questioning outlook, you'll appreciate Bayle's Historical and Critical Dictionary. In this work, Bayle offers careful critical analyses of widely held historical and philosophical opinions, promoting intellectual freedom and healthy skepticism.