Let's agree to disagree on modern myths 3

May 1, 2008

In support of his contention that there is no such thing as religious belief, Simon Blackburn quotes David Hume who, according to him, "was usually right about such things". The following quotation comes from the introduction to Hume's book The Natural History of Religion: "The whole frame of nature bespeaks an intelligent author: and no rational enquirer can, after serious reflection, suspend his belief a moment with regard to the primary principles of genuine Theism and Religion."

It is far from clear that Hume was an atheist and manifest that, if he were, his atheism was of a curious sort.

Hugh McLachlan, School of Law and Social Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University.

Register to continue

Why register?

  • Registration is free and only takes a moment
  • Once registered, you can read 3 articles a month
  • Sign up for our newsletter
Register
Please Login or Register to read this article.

Sponsored