Human nature and historical knowledge : Hume, Hegel and Vico
Author(s)
Bibliographic Information
Human nature and historical knowledge : Hume, Hegel and Vico
Cambridge University Press, 2002
1st pbk. ed
- : pbk
Available at 2 libraries
Note
Originally published in 1990
Bibliography: p. [227]-230
Includes index
Description and Table of Contents
Description
This book presents a study of the nature and conditions of historical knowledge, conducted through a study of the relevant theories of Hume, Hegel and Vico. It is usually thought that in order to establish historical facts, we have to have a theory of human nature to support our arguments. Hume, Hegel and Vico all subscribed to this view, and are therefore discussed in detail. Professor Pompa goes on to argue that there is in fact no way of discovering anything about human nature except through historical investigation. It is necessary therefore to find a different way of thinking about how we discover historical facts. This is done in the last chapter where, in opposition to almost all present views, it is argued that we must have a framework of inherited knowledge before we can believe in anything which results from historical enquiry.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- 1. Hume: the constancy of human nature
- 2. Hegel: the self-development of reason
- 3. Vico: the ideal eternal history
- 4. Conclusion
- Bibliography
- Index.
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