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Essay / Hume's Causality - 1410
In our daily lives, the concept of naturally observed events continuing into the future has posed a metaphysical problem as to how to explain it. To do this, we can construct the argument using the solubility of salt as an example:1. The salt has already dissolved in the water2. Naturally observed regularities from the past will continue into the future.∴ Salt will dissolve in water in the futureThis argument aims to demonstrate causality or the idea that one thing causes the other, and this relationship will continue into the future . David Hume, in his Inquiry into Human Understanding, argues against the idea of causality by demonstrating that the second premise, the principle of uniformity of nature, cannot exist. This leads Hume to conclude that there is no reason to ascribe causal relationships. In his objection to the principle of uniformity of nature, Hume begins by creating a distinction between truths. Truths are “objects of human reason” (Hume 542L). According to Hume, there are only two types of ways of thinking among humans: these are relations of ideas and facts. If a concept does not fall under one of these truths, its existence cannot be proven. The relationships between ideas “may be discovered by the simple operation of thought” (Hume 542L). The relations of ideas are a priori knowledge, knowledge independent of experience, which derives from reason. For example, the concept “every brother is a brother or a sister” does not require that a person have previously experienced that every brother is a brother or sister. A person can understand that this concept is true by virtue of its definition. By understanding what a brother is, it allows someone to think that a brother must have a brother or sister by simple definition. Using the definition, a person can arrive at... middle of paper ....... By appealing to the truth of reason and asserting that creating the greatest possible balance between pleasure and pain is the best explanation of what is morally. correct, utilitarianism can exist in the truth of reason. Therefore, it can be part of human reason, whereas under Hume it cannot. It can be seen that by simply adding a third truth to Hume's two truths through the truth of reason, the best objection is created. Not only can the principle of uniformity of nature be saved, but many other concepts like utilitarianism can also be saved. Hume may object that the best explanation does not create 100% certainty. Drawing on a blend of experience and reason helps extend the uniformity we see in our daily lives into the future. We can therefore see that the truth of reason constitutes a successful challenge to two of Hume's objections to causality..