Universität Wien

180007 LPS Hume: Treatise on Human Nature (2026S)

5.00 ECTS (2.00 SWS), SPL 18 - Philosophie
Continuous assessment of course work

Notice from the Director of Studies (SPL) Philosophy:

Submitting texts written entirely or partially by an AI tool (e.g., ChatGPT) as proof of academic performance (e.g., a seminar paper) is only permitted if this has been explicitly approved as a possible working method by the course instructor. Even in such cases, directly or indirectly cited passages must be clearly indicated with proper references.

To verify authorship of a submitted written assignment, the course instructor may require you to complete a graded oral discussion (plausibility check).
Moodle
We 18.03. 09:45-11:15 Hörsaal 3D, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. III/3. Stock, 1010 Wien

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Note: The time of your registration within the registration period has no effect on the allocation of places (no first come, first served).
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Details

max. 45 participants
Language: English

Lecturers

Classes (iCal) - next class is marked with N

  • Wednesday 11.03. 09:45 - 11:15 Hörsaal 3D, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. III/3. Stock, 1010 Wien
  • Wednesday 25.03. 09:45 - 11:15 Hörsaal 3D, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. III/3. Stock, 1010 Wien
  • Wednesday 15.04. 09:45 - 11:15 Hörsaal 3D, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. III/3. Stock, 1010 Wien
  • Wednesday 22.04. 09:45 - 11:15 Hörsaal 3D, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. III/3. Stock, 1010 Wien
  • Wednesday 29.04. 09:45 - 11:15 Hörsaal 3D, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. III/3. Stock, 1010 Wien
  • Wednesday 06.05. 09:45 - 11:15 Hörsaal 3D, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. III/3. Stock, 1010 Wien
  • Wednesday 13.05. 09:45 - 11:15 Hörsaal 3D, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. III/3. Stock, 1010 Wien
  • Wednesday 20.05. 09:45 - 11:15 Hörsaal 3D, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. III/3. Stock, 1010 Wien
  • Wednesday 27.05. 09:45 - 11:15 Hörsaal 3D, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. III/3. Stock, 1010 Wien
  • Wednesday 03.06. 09:45 - 11:15 Hörsaal 3D, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. III/3. Stock, 1010 Wien
  • Wednesday 10.06. 09:45 - 11:15 Hörsaal 3D, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. III/3. Stock, 1010 Wien
  • Wednesday 17.06. 09:45 - 11:15 Hörsaal 3D, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. III/3. Stock, 1010 Wien
  • Wednesday 24.06. 09:45 - 11:15 Hörsaal 3D, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. III/3. Stock, 1010 Wien

Information

Aims, contents and method of the course

David Hume (1711-1776) is one of the most influential figures in modern philosophy. He is part of the empiricist tradition along with Locke and Berkeley and is best known for his radical skepticism and empirical analysis of the human mind; in particular, for his critique of the fundamental concepts of causality, substance, and personal identity. Hume's importance for later philosophy is enormous. Just an example, his criticism of metaphysics and of the demand of reason to found absolute certainties profoundly influenced Kant.

The Treatise on Human Nature (published in 1739-1740) is divided in three books: the first one (on Understanding) is dedicated to knowledge and its limits, the second book (on Passions) provides an analysis of emotional states, and the third book (on Morals) deals with the foundation of ethics and politics. In the course we read a selection of central passages.

Method:
The course will be divided into three parts, each devoted to one book of the Treatise. At the end of each class, the lecturer will assign the part of the text to be read by the students and will send questions to be answered and sent back one day before the next lesson. Students are also expected to write an essay.

Assessment and permitted materials

The students will be evaluated according to:
- attendance (20%)
- participation (20%)
- questions (20%)
- essay (40%)

Minimum requirements and assessment criteria

- attendance
- completion of assigned tasks (participation, questions, essay)

Examination topics

The content of the Treatise. The essay focuses on a passage from the text chosen by the student.

Reading list

Hume, David. A Treatise of Human Nature. Edited by David Fate Norton and Mary Norton, Penguin Classics, 2000.

Association in the course directory

Last modified: Fr 20.02.2026 11:47