ABSTRACT
This chapter proposes that the entire philosophy of David Hume is based on his doctrine of belief; that belief is the most fundamental principle in Hume's philosophy; and that upon it Hume depends for an explanation of the constituents of human nature, and indeed upon which all his basic principles rely. In Hume's judgement, the science of Man, human behaviour and conduct, or the science of human nature consists of two principal elements, namely: the understanding and affections. Hume tells us that an idea or a conception in the mind becomes lively when a communication of force and vividness takes place from a present perceived object or from an impression to the idea itself. All the philosophical principles that had anything to do with Hume's philosophy, especially with his doctrine of belief, Dr. Thomas Reid subjected to severe scrutiny.
