David Hume the Innovative Scientist : a Reading Centered on the Naturalism-imagination Interface�

Abstract

Because of the difficulties and the space limitation, this thesis presents only the first fragments of a larger, more exciting project. Originally I had intended to offer an alternative to the traditional understanding about the relationship between David Hume and Immanuel Kant. I was attempting to change the traditional view by focusing on the unnoticed agreement Hume and Kant had concerning the significant role imagination played in our epistemic experience. This paper will only present my findings as they relate to the Hume half of the story. Hume is presented as a revolutionary scientist who was trying to reconceptualize human understanding as an extension of natural abilities, which we shared with other natural organisms. I attempt to highlight Hume's attempt to develop and clarify the way this naturalism expresses itself through imagination.