Hume: A Very Short Introduction (Very Short Introductions) [Paperback]

A. J. Ayer (Author)

Book Description

Series: Very Short Introductions | Publication Date: January 18, 2001

Hume's "naturalist" approach to a wide variety of philosophical topics resulted in highly original theories about perception, self-identity, causation, morality, politics, and religion, all of which are discussed in this stimulating introduction by A.J. Ayer, himself one of the twentieth century's most important philosophers. Ayer also gives an account of Hume's fascinating life and character, and includes generous quotations from Hume's lucid and often witty writings.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

The late A.J. Ayer was Wykeham Professor of Logic at Oxford University and a Fellow of Wolfson College Oxford and of the British Academy. He was the author of many well-known philosophical works, including Language, Truth and Logic, The Central Questions of Philosophy, and Russell. His autobiographical Part of My Life was published in 1978.

Product Details

• Paperback: 136 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA (January 18, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0192854062
• ISBN-13: 978-0192854063
• Product Dimensions: 7 x 4.5 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #683,997 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Good Read, November 27, 2007

By 

John D. White "camsterdad" (Cayce, South Carolina United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Hume: A Very Short Introduction (Very Short Introductions) (Paperback)

While appreciating the previous reviewers' criticisms which are not without some merit-- I feel that I must rise to Ayer's defense in saying that this book, though small, pushes one to "think" about Hume's philosophy while trying to get a handle on it. Isn't that what introductions are to be about? Ayers introduces a particular aspect of Hume's thought, agrees or disagrees then moves on. Their criticism's, however, do have some merit. Ayer reads Hume through his own lenses, who doesn't, and is not above bringing Hume to task when he feels that it is warranted. However, Ayer also respects Hume the philosopher, and presents Hume in this small book in a courteous light. This was one of the first books I read on Hume's thought and I found it to be quite helpful. It was a good jumping off point into weightier works-- it's not simplistic, nor is it a Cliff-Notes version, but a presentation of Hume's work, which in itself requires some careful thought, simply because Hume himself is carrying on a conversation with other phiosophers (some long since dead) but it is also a thoughtful conversation with Hume, about the issues Hume raised, by an emiment philosopher in his own right. I'm not sure that it doesn't belong in the series, having read several of the others. Ayer makes his point and then moves on without spending too many pages waxing eloquent. For someone wanting to learn about Hume's philosophy, but not wanting to read a long list of books, this is a good introduction to the main themes that Hume is noted for bringing to light and discussing. My practice in reading this book was to read a few pages, put it down and then read a few more. I found this a helpful way to let what Ayer said digest. Perhaps it should have been an easier read, but then the themes Hume touches upon are not easy subjects to begin with. In sum, I found it a worthwhile book.

19 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars too substantial to shoe-horn into this 'Very Short' series, June 21, 2005

By 

Neal Alexander (Cali, Colombia) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Hume: A Very Short Introduction (Very Short Introductions) (Paperback)

Despite Ayer's lapidary style, this is a heavyweight critique of Hume's philosophy, not the bite-sized summary one would expect from the way the original 1980 book has been repackaged.

Hume emerges as more pragmatic, more likable, than his reputation as the ineluctable arch-sceptic. Ayer doesn't hesitate to suggest improvements to Hume's arguments, or to flatly contradict him, especially on his theory of perception. On the other hand, Ayer tamely accepts the impossibility of induction, which would surely be unacceptable to most modern scientists (at least, those inclined to think about it at all).

Overall, the book is more analytical, and less heuristic, than is helpful for this series.

16 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars A stain on this series good reputation, October 10, 2006

By 

Husain "Mowgli" (Bristol) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Hume: A Very Short Introduction (Very Short Introductions) (Paperback)

As an introduction for the general reader this is pretty useless. Its actually an older work not intended for the very short introduction series. Its a brief but fairly in depth study of Hume's work with an initial chapter on his life tagged on at the start. It requires at least a basic familiarity with Hume and the reader would almost certainly benefit from having read the Enquiries or even an alternative introduction before engaging with this. Presenting Ayers' book in this way is disingenuous and does both him and the reader a disservice.