ABSTRACT
Hume’s dissertation on the “Of the Standard of Taste” excites many different readings, but we still know little about the circumstances of its composition. I outline its possible connections with Ramsay’s and Gerard’s performances on taste, and its structural similarities with Hume’s Dialogue on the standard of morals. In both his Standard and Dialogue, Hume seeks to replace unlimited skepticism for a more limited and indulgent skepticism. Despite his indulgence, Hume’s aversion toward any kind of influential religion remains a constant feature of both works.
