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Vulgar and Philosophical Systems: Hume on the Continued Existence of Objects
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Abstract
This essay examines distinction made by David Hume between the "vulgar system" and the "philosophical system" as explanations for belief in the continued and distinct existence of objects. Via a reconstruction of the arguments by Hume, the essay analyzes how these systems attempt to account for human perceptual experience. The vulgar system conflates perceptions with objects, while the philosophical system posits a double existence of both, yet neither can adequately explain the causal link between them. Furthermore, the study engages with interpretations of readings on Hume by considering the double existence counterargument by Pears and the systematic explanatory hypothesis proposed by Mackie to circumvent the need for naive realism. Finally, the essay evaluates the strength of these criticisms and considers their implications for Hume's overall skeptical position regarding external objects. The skepticism of Hume regarding the possibility of establishing a firm foundation for epistemic belief in external objects remains potent, even in light of these attempts at providing alternative explanations.
Keywords
Hume, vulgar systems, causation, object permanence
[1]. Hume, D. (2000). A Treatise of Human Nature (D.F. Norton & M.J. Norton, Eds.). Clarendon Press. (Original work published in 1739)
[2]. Smith, P. J. (2011). Hume on skeptical arguments. In D. Machuca (ed.), Pyrrhonism in ancient, modern, and contemporary philosophy (pp. 171-189). Springer Netherlands.
[3]. O'Shea, J. R. (1996). Hume's reflective return to the Vulgar. British Journal for the History of Philosophy, 4(2), 285-315. https://doi.org/10.1080/09608789608570943
[4]. Pears, D. (1990). Hume’s System. Oxford University Press.
[5]. Mackie, J.L. (1980) Hume’s Moral Theory. Routledge.
Cite this article
Zhao,G. (2025). Vulgar and Philosophical Systems: Hume on the Continued Existence of Objects. Lecture Notes in Education Psychology and Public Media,86,1-5.
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Volume title: Proceedings of the 6th International Conference on Educational Innovation and Philosophical Inquiries
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