Hume and Self Existance
The modern philosopher, David Hume, argued that the proof of self existence was not possible. Hume stated, “If any impression gives rise to the idea of self, that impression must continue invariably the same, through the whole course of our lives; since self is supposed to exist after that manner” (Kolack and Thompson 642). Although Hume made some valid arguments, his views on self existence are both wrong and arrogant. The existence of self can be, and has been, proven. David Hume proposed the Bundle Theory of Self. Hume believed that knowledge was strictly obtained through one’s senses and experiences. These senses are composed of the fives senses; touching, seeing, smelling, hearing, and tasting. He also proposed the idea of introspection, which is the exploration of one’s own “inside” world. However, Hume said, “All that we find through introspection is a bundle of different perceptions in perpetual flux” (Kolack and Thompson 601). He felt that through introspection you could find an array of thoughts, sensations, memories, and beliefs, but one would find no “self.” Hume stated, “There are some philosophers, who imagine we are every moment intimately conscious of what we call our SELF; that we feel its existence and its continuance in existence; and are certain, beyond the evidence of a demonstration, both of its perfect identity and simplicity” (Kolack and Thompson 642). He continues to go on a rant about these philosophers and their false perceptions on self and existence. However he feels that he has come to the correct answer. He then goes to write, “Unluckily all these positive assertions are contrary to that very experience, which is pleaded for them, nor have we any idea of self, after the manner it is here explained. For from what impression could this idea be derived?” (Kolack and Thompson 642). Hume felt that these sensations were distractions, making us think we understood “self.” Hume stated that he often did introspection, and
Cited: Kolack, Daniel, and Garrett Thompson. The Longman Standard History of Philosophy. New York: Pearson Education Inc., 2006.