The Argument In David Hume's Copy Principle
In this paper I will do the following: I will explain Hume’s thesis and define the terms that Hume uses, I will discuss the characteristics of the principle that may cause doubt in philosophers, I will analyze the structure that Hume uses for one of his arguments that helps establish his copy principle, and, finally, I will evaluate this argument with adherence to the reasoning, the structure, and possible objections.
Hume’s thesis for his ‘copy principle’ is the following: “all our ideas or more feeble perceptions are copies of our impressions or more lively ones” (EHU section 2 paragraph 5; pp. 77). In order to discuss what Hume means by this, I will first define the words used by Hume. By “impressions” Hume is referring to the perceptions …show more content…
The missing shade of blue problem is described by Hume as the presentation of every shade of the color blue except one shade that a man has never experienced. Hume states that it is possible for that man to formulate an idea of what that color looks like, without any prior experience of that missing shade. “Now I ask, whether it be possible for him...to supply this deficiency, and raise up to himself the idea of that particular shade, though it had never been conveyed to him by his senses,” is how Hume poses the question (EHU section 2 paragraph 8; pp. 78). However, Hume objects to his own objection by claiming that this example is so rare that it is not worth changing the principle. Hume states, “this instance is so singular, that it is scarcely worth our observing, and does not merit, that for it alone we should alter our general maxim” (EHU section 2 paragraph 8; pp. …show more content…
The reasoning behind it is sufficient in conveying the comparison between the blind man, colors, and experience with color is necessary for ideas of colors and his copy principle that sense experience is necessary for all ideas. Regardless of the missing shade of blue problem, I think that Hume’s reasoning is sufficient because the argument establishes the copy principle as a general law; a law positing a general truth about our thoughts and ideas being copies of our impressions. The fact that there is a singular exception to this principle is at most noteworthy, and is not sufficient enough to refute the widespread truth of the copy principle. The formulation of an idea of one shade of color before a perception of that shade does not speak to the inborn ability to formulate an idea of God or anything else of
Hume’s thesis for his ‘copy principle’ is the following: “all our ideas or more feeble perceptions are copies of our impressions or more lively ones” (EHU section 2 paragraph 5; pp. 77). In order to discuss what Hume means by this, I will first define the words used by Hume. By “impressions” Hume is referring to the perceptions …show more content…
The missing shade of blue problem is described by Hume as the presentation of every shade of the color blue except one shade that a man has never experienced. Hume states that it is possible for that man to formulate an idea of what that color looks like, without any prior experience of that missing shade. “Now I ask, whether it be possible for him...to supply this deficiency, and raise up to himself the idea of that particular shade, though it had never been conveyed to him by his senses,” is how Hume poses the question (EHU section 2 paragraph 8; pp. 78). However, Hume objects to his own objection by claiming that this example is so rare that it is not worth changing the principle. Hume states, “this instance is so singular, that it is scarcely worth our observing, and does not merit, that for it alone we should alter our general maxim” (EHU section 2 paragraph 8; pp. …show more content…
The reasoning behind it is sufficient in conveying the comparison between the blind man, colors, and experience with color is necessary for ideas of colors and his copy principle that sense experience is necessary for all ideas. Regardless of the missing shade of blue problem, I think that Hume’s reasoning is sufficient because the argument establishes the copy principle as a general law; a law positing a general truth about our thoughts and ideas being copies of our impressions. The fact that there is a singular exception to this principle is at most noteworthy, and is not sufficient enough to refute the widespread truth of the copy principle. The formulation of an idea of one shade of color before a perception of that shade does not speak to the inborn ability to formulate an idea of God or anything else of