Pragmatism, Empiricism and David Hume Essay

naturalism is based on the philosophy that ideas moldiness be tested and re-tested, that have sexs dictate pragmatism. Pragmatists too believe in no domineering truths or values existing. David Hume argues that, no proofread house be derived from any fact, of which we are so intimately conscious nor is thither anything of which we can be certain, if we doubt this (Treatise 2645). Humes empiricist ideals were roots to early pragmatic thought, by way of the theory that, in our reality, zippo is certain and everything that can be comprehend must be constantly suffice to find a place in reality.Humes position on our experiences deciding our veracity follows the school of pragmatism by staying away from any conclusive ideals. Thus, his go on empiricism melds with pragmatism on the level of determining ones selfs existence. Similar to Descartes, he explains that even, and more(prenominal) often than not as per constant apprehension, metaphysical experience can mold ones ident ity. And were both my perceptions removed by death . . . I should be blamelessly annihilated, nor do I conceive what is farther requisite to snitch me a perfect nonentity (2645). base so heavily in perception, he further deduces that when insensible during sleep and each perception of environment lies dormant, existence may halt (2645). Hume speculates most closely on miracles and opens his essay with the stance that, A miracle is a violation of the laws of nature . . . the proof against a miracle, from the very nature of the fact, is as entire as any argument from experience can possibly be imagined (Enquiry 2647). He continues throughout his essay, supporting his claim and a exchangeable breaking pop out Christianity, highly-based in much(prenominal) phenomena, proving the impossibility of the existence of miracles.This trend is something a pragmatist would argue against, firmly believing in there being nothing absolute. Yet, disrespect his resistance he concludes, whoeve r is moved by faith . . . is conscious of a go on miracle in his own person . . . and gives him a determination to believe what is most different to custom and experience (2650). This statement, although a collation contradictory to his thesis, appeases to pragmatist thought, allowing for an explanation to those who are silent determined to believe in miracles and the like and allows for them to own anidentity under his definition. It is at this end where his level of pragmatism veers from Charles Peirce to William mob end of the spectrum. Humes doctrine, were it truly classify as pragmatism, is all-encompassing and goes beyond clarified knowledge shaping the self. Hume utilizes experiences of every sympathetic as an influence in realitys perpetual state of show up and even further takes on the pragmatist communications protocol by denying religion that believes in an all-knowing entity.This Agnostician point-of-view is what further fuels Humes philosophy and persists in c ategorizing him as a pragmatist. In his efforts to equal the mind to a theater he breaks down identity to a simplistic nature. The mind is a kind of theater, where some(prenominal) perceptions successively make their appearance pass, re-pass, seashore away, and mingle in an infinite change of postures and situations (Treatise 2645). Hume believes all concepts to be greater, complicated and more intricate combinations of simpler forms.Like individual ingredients scorched into a cake, everything can be upset down into smaller, easier to understand parts. These many pieces or ideas fit together to create perception and thus, identity which is constantly evolving, finally leadership to pragmatism. Hume would likely have subscribed to such(prenominal) a school of thought, the more positive formula. It seems, though, that he had the roots within his empiricist theories and the keep progress would have led Hume down that path.