Abstract: I will argue that traditional readings of Hume have largely overlooked a conceptual innovation that is central to Hume&rsquo\;s theory of human nature: his account of the movement of \;feeling \;as an addition to his more traditional associationist psychology. This is best explored by examining the novel use made by Hume of the term &lsquo\;emotion&rsquo\; in the \;Treatise\, where Hume understands himself to be an &lsquo\;anatomist&rsquo\; of the mind\, seeking to provide a foundation for explanation of human cognition and behavior in terms of mental events. I will argue that feeling plays the central role in this account\, and this makes Hume&rsquo\;s primary work on human nature the work of an \;affectivity theorist. I will suggest that this characterization of Hume is important for two reasons. First\, his understanding of human nature as fundamentally affective in nature is a theoretical commitment that underlies and unifies all his written work. Second\, Hume&rsquo\;s work as an affectivity theorist anticipates contemporary affectivity science in surprising ways\, suggesting that his treatment of mind may still have much to contribute to this developing science.
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Topic: Katharina Paxman\, "Understanding Hume as an Affectivity Theorist"
Time: Mar 12\, 2021 03:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
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