Historical reference: Hume and critical realism

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to make the case for discussing developments in the history of thought as having the potential to inform modern discussion. The case is made by means of considering the particular relevance of David Hume's thought for critical realism, emphasising his use of the concepts of belief and imagination both in establishing philosophical foundations and as being relevant for theory content. The notion that context is significant is used constructively by suggesting that important elements in common between the contexts of Hume and of modern discussions reinforce the potential value of considering Hume's ideas.