An investigation of the principles of knowledge and of the progress of reason, from sense to science and philosophy
His Investigation of the Principles of Knowledge (1794), published towards the end of his life, was Hutton's third and longest book. A wide-ranging discussion of human knowledge written in response to the works of Hume, Locke and Berkeley, Hutton here expounds a metaphysical system in which an analysis of causation is central. Beginning with the basis of knowledge in sensation, perception, passion and action, he moves on to a discussion of the nature of ideas and reason, the different kinds of proof, power and matter. His conclusion is theistic but not Christian, and stresses that man must not allow religion to be corrupted by those ignorant of science and philosophy.Hutton is a figure increasingly studied and appreciated by modern scholars. However, the primary texts are now very rare and access to his writings is usually through secondary discussions of his thought by popularizers such as Charles Lyell and John Playfair. As a result his thought is often misunderstood. This original text, never before reprinted, provides a long overdue opportunity to consider Hutton's contributions to the social sciences and humanities.
1726-1797by James Hutton22 x 27 cmMaster microform held by: ReadexContinued by: Landmarks II
