HUMES IMPRESSIONS AND IDEAS

Humes Impressions and Ideas



Humes Impressions and Ideas

Introduction

David Hume was an imperialist philosopher who revolutionized scientific argument and methodology with his skepticism. His arguments about the way people though up to his day, and still today, are fundamental in explaining how we gain knowledge and what we do with this knowledge. Hume helped pave a road leading toward a higher state of consciousness for humanity with his theory concerning the perceptions of the mind. He divided the minds perception into two distinct groups' impression and ideas. With these two classifications Hume rationalized the depths of human understanding.

Discussion

Impressions consist of the perception regarding all that is seen, felt and heard. Ideas are formulated thoughts based upon impressions. They are the perceptions of the mind involved with thought rather than experience. Hume used impressions to test the relevance of ideas through his microscope system. This theory challenged the mind to test out inconsistent ideas by means of the impressions (Braham, Ernest G. 1987, pp 121-181).

The essence of ideas and impression defines the nature of the mind and all that it perceives. Together they rationalize clear and distinct thoughts and sensations Impressions are lively perceptions that implore all the sensation and emotion that the mind perceives. They are not misleading, for their essence is based entirely on experience. It is a perception that ignites the way all is felt, seen, or heard. External causes or objects effect the senses, influencing the way the mind perceives things (Russell, Bertrand, 1972, pp 23-181).

Sensation is the only real attribute of the mind and it serves as focal point for all ideas and extensions of thought. Impressions have the ability to stand independently; they do not depend on any other elements to make them seem more real. They can always be relied upon; there is no chance of making a mistake when regarding them. Impressions are original in their state of being and never act as a counterfeit. They are dazzling and sound. Impressions are derived from inward and outward sentiments. Outward impressions are caused by external perceptions (Braham, Ernest G. 1987, pp 45-272).

These consist of the sounds of a thunderstorm, the sensation of rain on the skin and seeing the electricity in lightening. It includes all the perception that the senses experience first hand. Inward impressions make up all of the internal perceptions. This includes feelings and emotions that are evoked by external extensions. The emotions: loyalty, compassion, misery, depression and romance are all categorized as inward impressions. Seeing a shooting star and feeling lucky as a result of the sighting is an example of an outward impression causing an inward impression (MacNabb, 1972). The two impressions define one another. Ideas are the feeble perceptions of the mind. They are the reflections of the sensations experienced from impressions. Ideas are codependent on impressions; they cannot exist without their influence. They are at least when simple, like impression but imperfect (Hume, David, 1993, pp 34-281).

Ideas cannot be trusted or relied upon to be ...