ABSTRACT
Hume’s empiricism is based on his distinction between the kinds of propositions. A relation of ideas is a proposition whose negation is a contradiction, while a matter of fact does not have to be true, but can be denied without contradiction. Hume’s positive view is that we follow induction instinctively and not because intellect sanctions it. Hume’s philosophy is a continuation of John Locke. Just as Locke attempts to explain ideas by experience and the innate capacity of abstraction, Hume tries to explain inferences about matters of fact by experience and the innate principle of custom. Hume explains his aims and approach in the introduction to the Treatise. He says that philosophy cannot advance until we develop a science of human nature, since this is “the only solid foundation for the other sciences”.
