David Hume

David Hume (1711-1776) was a Scottish Enlightenment philosopher, historian, and essayist, best known for his works "A Treatise of Human Nature" (1739-1740) and "An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding" (1748). His empirical approach to philosophical questions challenged the rationalist traditions of his time. Hume's "History of England" (1754-1762) established him as a leading historian, providing a detailed account from the Roman conquest to the Glorious Revolution. He also served as a diplomat, contributing significantly to British foreign policy. Hume's skepticism about religion and his theory of knowledge, emphasizing human experience over abstract reasoning, remain central to philosophical discourse. He passed away on August 25, 1776, in Edinburgh.