Question

Hume thinks that all knowledge must be traced back to perceptions; otherwise, assertions of knowledge are meaningless. From this, he concludes that all theological and metaphysical speculations are worthless. Do you agree with him? Why or why not? Please respond in 2-3 paragraphs.

Answer 1

In my opinion Hume is right in suggesting that all the knowledge stem from perceptions. This would mean that what we gain from the physical world is real and whatever we speculate cannot be real knowledge. This is because of the fact that one cannot prove whatever one perceives in the mind. Thus, it would lack the characteristics of scientific inquiry and the necessary proofs. When one imagines or brings out concepts that are not gained through perception, it’s like one trying to explain one’s dream to others because there is no proof that the dream really occurred.

Most of the metaphysical and god related theories rely on pure imagination and beliefs. This may not help people understand things as they understand the physical world. It’s because of the fact that not everyone can really see and conceive the concepts as the proponents of metaphysical and teleological philosophers do. So, it wouldn’t be wise to believe that something beyond our perceptions exist. This would lead to prove Hume’s opinion that concepts such as the metaphysical and teleological are not worth considering because they don’t come through perceptions but assumptions.

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