Dialogues Concerning Natural Religion

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Dialogues Concerning Natural Religion (1779)
by David Hume

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A philosophical work written by the Scot David Hume. Through dialogue, three fictional characters named Demea, Philo, and Cleanthes debate the nature of God's existence. While all three agree that a god exists, they differ sharply in opinion on god's nature or attributes and how, or if, mankind can come to knowledge of a deity. The dialogues are based partly on Cicero's de Natura Deorum.

Hume had the work in hand from around 1750 (the earliest mention of it being in a letter of 1751) but did not complete it until 1776, shortly before his death. Peer pressure prevented its publication during his lifetime. It was first published in 1779, in accordance with a provision in his will. This transcription is of the 2nd edition, published in the same year. [Based on A Bibliography of David Hume and of Scottish Philosophy from Francis Hutcheson to Lord Balfour (1966), by Thomas Edmund Jessop, pp.40-41.]

3332Dialogues Concerning Natural Religion1779David Hume (1711-1776)

DIALOGUES

CONCERNING

NATURAL RELIGION.

Entered in Stationers-Hall, according to
Act of Parliament.

DIALOGUES

CONCERNING

NATURAL RELIGION.

BY

DAVID HUME, Esq.

THE SECOND EDITION.

LONDON:

M.DCC.LXXIX.

Contents (not listed in original)

This work was published before January 1, 1929, and is in the public domain worldwide because the author died at least 100 years ago.

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