David Hume on history, development and happiness: interconnections

Citation

Dow S (2023) David Hume on history, development and happiness: interconnections. European Journal of the History of Economic Thought. https://doi.org/10.1080/09672567.2023.2202921

Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to explore the interconnections between Hume’s thought as a philosopher, a historian and an economist, illustrated with respect to his thought on history, development and happiness. It is argued that differences in the interpretation of Hume have an epistemological origin, reflecting either a closed-system approach or some kind of open-system approach. These differences are explored in relation to Hume’s own epistemology, historiography, theory of economic development and theory of happiness. Patterns are identified in Hume’s thought which support a particular, open-system, interpretation of his contributions in each area in terms of interdependent processes.

Keywords
David Hume; history; economic development; happiness

Journal
European Journal of the History of Economic Thought

People

Professor Sheila Dow

Emeritus Professor, Economics