Univ., Diss.--Kiel, 2003.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Washington, 1991. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves [251]-262).

Revision of author's Thesis--Emory University. / Includes bibliographical references and index.

Diss.--Philosophische Fakultät I--Zürich--Universität Zürich, 1987. / Bibliogr. p. 203-233.

Texte remanié de: Th.--Lettres--Paris X, 1987. / Bibliogr. p. 293-310. Index.

Diss.--Marburg--Universität Marburg, 1992.

This study of David Hume suggests that the unity of his thought Is to be found more In an attitude of mind than In a precise body of epistemological statements. His 'mitigated scepticism' was the original combination of an experimental approach with a searching mind and a rather disenchanted attitude towards the attainment of perfection In knowledge and In the practical world. But my thesis addresses these questions only Implicitly. The general picture of the Humean approach to things political and phi losophlcal Is depicted against the background of a close examination of two other themes: Hume's development towards a more 'popular' phi losophy and the phi losophlcal Import of his moral and political theory. The first subject Is studied through an analysis of the formal qualities of Hume's phi losophlcal writings; the second, through a discussion of Hume's position on the origin of Justice and government and one's obi Igatlon to them. The conclusion that my thesis tentatively advances Is that both In metaphysics and politics Hume's approach Is based upon the attainment of a state of equl IIbrlum between theoretical and practical considerations, and between sceptical and naturalistic tendencies. Hume's desire for balance can only be understood within the Intellectual context of eighteenth century thought. This Is the reason for the considerable attention that the thesis devotes to the reconstruction of the historical setting within which Hume's thought developed. However, when correctly Interpreted, Hume's Ideas clearly have a contribution to make to an understanding of a world which Is very different from his own.

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Thesis (M.A.)--Boston University. Missing pages 26-30. / PLEASE NOTE: Boston University Libraries did not receive an Authorization To Manage form for this thesis or dissertation. It is therefore not openly accessible, though it may be available by request. If you are the author or principal advisor of this work and would like to request open access for it, please contact us at open-help@bu.edu. Thank you. / The thesis presents the social philosophy of Henry David Thoreau. Though he wrote no explicit philosophy, his social views were analyzed to discover underlying general assumptions. His concept of the nature of man was used as a departure point in this thesis. His writings were the primary source material. Critical and biographical works were used for background information. Thoreau accepted the Transcendental ideas that man's nature transcends his experiences, that he is a supernatural being, and that he is able to influence the moral universe. Thoreau held that man's position in the universe was central, that he was, by nature, good, that he was a spiritual force in the universe and that the universe was friendly to man's ambitions. Thoreau concluded that man's possibilities were unlimited if he would only recognize the spiritual nature of his being. Transcendentalism also influenced Thoreau to hold that the absolute laws were manifested in man. He concluded that one's obligation should be to follow these laws. Thoreau carried this idea to its extreme by advocating a life of being good rather than doing good. One would be good by following the higher laws as they were conveyed to man through conscience. [TRUNCATED] / 2031-01-01