Drunken Philosophy

Join us for drinks and interesting conversation :)

Optional discussion prompt:
David Hume (1711–1776) was a Scottish Enlightenment philosopher, historian, economist, and essayist. He is best known for his philosophical empiricism and skepticism. Hume argued that all human knowledge arises from sensory experiences and that reason alone cannot be the source of knowledge. He challenged traditional notions of causation, personal identity, and the reliability of inductive reasoning. His work has had a profound influence on subsequent philosophical thought, particularly in epistemology, ethics, and the philosophy of mind.
Discussion questions:

1. Empiricism and Knowledge: Hume asserted that all knowledge comes from sensory experience. Do you agree with this viewpoint? Are there aspects of knowledge that might originate independently of experience?
2. The Problem of Induction: How does Hume's skepticism about inductive reasoning affect our trust in science and everyday decision-making? Can we justify our expectations of the future based on past experiences?
3. Personal Identity: Hume questioned the existence of a permanent "self." What constitutes personal identity? Is there a continuous self, or are we merely a collection of perceptions?
4. Emotion vs. Reason in Morality: Hume believed that reason is subordinate to emotion in moral judgments. What roles do emotion and reason play in ethical decision-making? Can moral decisions be purely rational?
5. Causation and Habit: According to Hume, our belief in causation is a result of habit rather than logical deduction. How does this perspective influence our understanding of cause and effect?
6. Skepticism and Certainty: What are the implications of Hume's skepticism for the pursuit of certain knowledge? Is embracing skepticism beneficial or detrimental to philosophical inquiry?
7. Religion and Empirical Evidence: Hume was critical of religious beliefs lacking empirical support. How does his critique relate to contemporary discussions on faith and reason?
8. Hume's Influence on Modern Thought: In what ways has Hume's philosophy shaped modern disciplines like psychology, cognitive science, or ethics?
9. Free Will and Determinism: How does Hume's naturalistic view of human behavior engage with the debate between free will and determinism?
10. "Hume's Fork": Hume divided knowledge into "relations of ideas" and "matters of fact." How does this distinction apply to modern philosophical or scientific debates?
11. Moral Sentimentalism: Hume suggested that moral judgments are based on feelings rather than objective facts. How does this view align or conflict with contemporary ethical theories?
12. Custom and Habit in Human Life: Hume emphasized the role of custom and habit in shaping human behavior. How do these concepts influence our understanding of culture and society?

As always if anybody have any ideas for discussion prompts write it up and we can use it for the next meet up. It can be about anything philosophy related or anything abstract. Don't worry if it is 'out there'