HQ28

Class Responses and Instructor Comments

>From Avner Levy

According to Hume there is no such thing as a Miracle. When a general rule in nature fails Hume actually look for some logical or suporting reason to explain that occurance.

>rm says: Good. So, what happens to the original rule? Is it amended to be irregular?

>From MILDRED FERENTINO:

"There are other causes which have been found more irregular and uncertain; nor has rhubarb always proved a purge, or opium a soporific to every one, who has taken these medicines. It is true, when any cause fails of producing its usual effect, philosophers ascribe not this to any irregularity in nature; but suppose, that some secret causes, in the particular structure of parts, have prevented the operation."

rm says: Yes. Now, what do we do about these "secret causes"? Do we hold them to be anomalies?

Hume Reading Guide 28. How do we respond when a general cause and effect rule fails to apply in a particular instance? Do we assume that nature is irregular?		Back to Hume Reading Guide Back to Philosophy 101 Home Next Question
Enter your response to the above question, or to a previous response, in the form below, or use this email link. I will post your response on the right, and comment if I think I can be helpful. When emailing, instead of using the form, please indicate the question number. When using the form below, if you neglect to enter your name or email, I won't know who you are.	Class Responses and Instructor Comments >From Avner Levy According to Hume there is no such thing as a Miracle. When a general rule in nature fails Hume actually look for some logical or suporting reason to explain that occurance. >rm says: Good. So, what happens to the original rule? Is it amended to be irregular? >From MILDRED FERENTINO: "There are other causes which have been found more irregular and uncertain; nor has rhubarb always proved a purge, or opium a soporific to every one, who has taken these medicines. It is true, when any cause fails of producing its usual effect, philosophers ascribe not this to any irregularity in nature; but suppose, that some secret causes, in the particular structure of parts, have prevented the operation." rm says: Yes. Now, what do we do about these "secret causes"? Do we hold them to be anomalies?
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