The Problem of Personal Identity in the Philosophy of David Hume

Abstract

The theme of the essay is the problem of personal identity in the philosophy of David Hume. Firstly, the text presents elements of Hume’s theory of ideas which are required so as to provide the context for an understanding of his treatment of the issue of personal identity. The second section describes Hume’s approach to personal identity with reference to the pertinent chapter from Hume’s A Treatise of Human Nature. Next, the views of some of the most quoted of Hume’s commentators are offered in order to broaden our understanding of certain aspects of Hume’s problem and demonstrate some shortcomings in his approach.