PLS2607
Assignment 2 Semester 1 2025
Unique Number:
Due Date: 7 April 2025
HUME, LOGICAL POSITIVISM, AND THE REJECTION OF METAPHYSICS: A
CRITICAL PHILOSOPHICAL ANALYSIS
1. INTRODUCTION
David Hume, an influential figure of the Scottish Enlightenment, famously declared that any
form of metaphysics hinting at entities or realities beyond sensory experience ought to “be
cast into the flames” (Hume, 2000:12). Although Hume wrote in the eighteenth century, his
arguments foreshadowed the more systematic stance taken by the Logical Positivists in
the early twentieth century. Both Hume and the Logical Positivists contended that
statements which cannot be grounded in sense experience or verifiable reasoning are
effectively meaningless. This essay explores Hume‟s criticisms of metaphysics, explains
how the Logical Positivists expanded upon these criticisms, and highlights both the
strengths and weaknesses of their arguments. By applying a dialectical method—
presenting Hume‟s and the Positivists‟ “thesis,” examining potential “antithesis,” and
seeking a concluding “synthesis”—the discussion aims to illustrate why these philosophers
viewed metaphysics with such suspicion, as well as acknowledge where their views might
DISCLAIMER & TERMS OF USE
Educational Aid: These study notes are intended to be used as educational resources and should not be seen as a
replacement for individual research, critical analysis, or professional consultation. Students are encouraged to perform
their own research and seek advice from their instructors or academic advisors for specific assignment guidelines.
Personal Responsibility: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information in
these study notes, the seller does not guarantee the completeness or correctness of all content. The buyer is
responsible for verifying the accuracy of the information and exercising their own judgment when applying it to their
assignments.
Academic Integrity: It is essential for students to maintain academic integrity and follow their institution's policies
regarding plagiarism, citation, and referencing. These study notes should be used as learning tools and sources of
inspiration. Any direct reproduction of the content without proper citation and acknowledgment may be considered
academic misconduct.
Limited Liability: The seller shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, losses, or consequences arising from
the use of these notes. This includes, but is not limited to, poor academic performance, penalties, or any other negative
consequences resulting from the application or misuse of the information provided.
, For additional support +27 81 278 3372
HUME, LOGICAL POSITIVISM, AND THE REJECTION OF METAPHYSICS: A
CRITICAL PHILOSOPHICAL ANALYSIS
1. INTRODUCTION
David Hume, an influential figure of the Scottish Enlightenment, famously declared
that any form of metaphysics hinting at entities or realities beyond sensory
experience ought to “be cast into the flames” (Hume, 2000:12). Although Hume
wrote in the eighteenth century, his arguments foreshadowed the more systematic
stance taken by the Logical Positivists in the early twentieth century. Both Hume and
the Logical Positivists contended that statements which cannot be grounded in
sense experience or verifiable reasoning are effectively meaningless. This essay
explores Hume‟s criticisms of metaphysics, explains how the Logical Positivists
expanded upon these criticisms, and highlights both the strengths and weaknesses
of their arguments. By applying a dialectical method—presenting Hume‟s and the
Positivists‟ “thesis,” examining potential “antithesis,” and seeking a concluding
“synthesis”—the discussion aims to illustrate why these philosophers viewed
metaphysics with such suspicion, as well as acknowledge where their views might
be challenged.
2. HUME’S CRITIQUE OF METAPHYSICS
2.1. Emphasis on Sensory Experience
Hume (2000) grounded his philosophical investigations in the empirical method,
insisting that all genuine knowledge about the world must stem from sensory
impressions. According to Hume, ideas that cannot be reduced to original sense
impressions or combinations of them lack meaningful content (Hume, 2000:10).
Hence, for Hume, statements about entities beyond possible experience—such as
the essence of the soul, transcendent realities, or the ultimate nature of causality—
were suspect. They could not be traced back to any direct observation or verifiable
data (Hume, 2000:12).
In An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding, Hume underscores the limits of
human reason, arguing that we can only meaningfully discuss what the senses can
confirm or what can be deduced by relations of ideas (such as mathematics and
Assignment 2 Semester 1 2025
Unique Number:
Due Date: 7 April 2025
HUME, LOGICAL POSITIVISM, AND THE REJECTION OF METAPHYSICS: A
CRITICAL PHILOSOPHICAL ANALYSIS
1. INTRODUCTION
David Hume, an influential figure of the Scottish Enlightenment, famously declared that any
form of metaphysics hinting at entities or realities beyond sensory experience ought to “be
cast into the flames” (Hume, 2000:12). Although Hume wrote in the eighteenth century, his
arguments foreshadowed the more systematic stance taken by the Logical Positivists in
the early twentieth century. Both Hume and the Logical Positivists contended that
statements which cannot be grounded in sense experience or verifiable reasoning are
effectively meaningless. This essay explores Hume‟s criticisms of metaphysics, explains
how the Logical Positivists expanded upon these criticisms, and highlights both the
strengths and weaknesses of their arguments. By applying a dialectical method—
presenting Hume‟s and the Positivists‟ “thesis,” examining potential “antithesis,” and
seeking a concluding “synthesis”—the discussion aims to illustrate why these philosophers
viewed metaphysics with such suspicion, as well as acknowledge where their views might
DISCLAIMER & TERMS OF USE
Educational Aid: These study notes are intended to be used as educational resources and should not be seen as a
replacement for individual research, critical analysis, or professional consultation. Students are encouraged to perform
their own research and seek advice from their instructors or academic advisors for specific assignment guidelines.
Personal Responsibility: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information in
these study notes, the seller does not guarantee the completeness or correctness of all content. The buyer is
responsible for verifying the accuracy of the information and exercising their own judgment when applying it to their
assignments.
Academic Integrity: It is essential for students to maintain academic integrity and follow their institution's policies
regarding plagiarism, citation, and referencing. These study notes should be used as learning tools and sources of
inspiration. Any direct reproduction of the content without proper citation and acknowledgment may be considered
academic misconduct.
Limited Liability: The seller shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, losses, or consequences arising from
the use of these notes. This includes, but is not limited to, poor academic performance, penalties, or any other negative
consequences resulting from the application or misuse of the information provided.
, For additional support +27 81 278 3372
HUME, LOGICAL POSITIVISM, AND THE REJECTION OF METAPHYSICS: A
CRITICAL PHILOSOPHICAL ANALYSIS
1. INTRODUCTION
David Hume, an influential figure of the Scottish Enlightenment, famously declared
that any form of metaphysics hinting at entities or realities beyond sensory
experience ought to “be cast into the flames” (Hume, 2000:12). Although Hume
wrote in the eighteenth century, his arguments foreshadowed the more systematic
stance taken by the Logical Positivists in the early twentieth century. Both Hume and
the Logical Positivists contended that statements which cannot be grounded in
sense experience or verifiable reasoning are effectively meaningless. This essay
explores Hume‟s criticisms of metaphysics, explains how the Logical Positivists
expanded upon these criticisms, and highlights both the strengths and weaknesses
of their arguments. By applying a dialectical method—presenting Hume‟s and the
Positivists‟ “thesis,” examining potential “antithesis,” and seeking a concluding
“synthesis”—the discussion aims to illustrate why these philosophers viewed
metaphysics with such suspicion, as well as acknowledge where their views might
be challenged.
2. HUME’S CRITIQUE OF METAPHYSICS
2.1. Emphasis on Sensory Experience
Hume (2000) grounded his philosophical investigations in the empirical method,
insisting that all genuine knowledge about the world must stem from sensory
impressions. According to Hume, ideas that cannot be reduced to original sense
impressions or combinations of them lack meaningful content (Hume, 2000:10).
Hence, for Hume, statements about entities beyond possible experience—such as
the essence of the soul, transcendent realities, or the ultimate nature of causality—
were suspect. They could not be traced back to any direct observation or verifiable
data (Hume, 2000:12).
In An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding, Hume underscores the limits of
human reason, arguing that we can only meaningfully discuss what the senses can
confirm or what can be deduced by relations of ideas (such as mathematics and
