# A Treatise of Human Nature — Chapters explained

> Chapter companions for A Treatise of Human Nature by David Hume.

- [Epigraph](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_treatise_of_human_nature_se/chapters/epigraph.md): The epigraph quotes Tacitus, expressing the rare fortune of times when one can think what one wants and say what one thinks.
- [Advertisement](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_treatise_of_human_nature_se/chapters/advertisement.md): In this brief advertisement, Hume explains that the present volumes cover only the understanding and passions, forming a complete chain of reasoning, and that he will proceed to morals, politics, and criticism if the pub
- [A Treatise of Human Nature](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_treatise_of_human_nature_se/chapters/a-treatise-of-human-nature.md): This foundational chapter introduces Hume's ambitious project: to apply the experimental method of reasoning to moral subjects, establishing a science of human nature. It sets the stage for a detailed examination of the 
- [Book I: Of the Understanding](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_treatise_of_human_nature_se/chapters/book-i-of-the-understanding.md): This foundational chapter introduces Hume's empiricist philosophy, distinguishing between impressions and ideas, and establishing the principles of association that govern thought. It lays the groundwork for his skeptica
- [Part I: Of Ideas, Their Origin, Composition, Connection, Abstraction, etc.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_treatise_of_human_nature_se/chapters/part-i-of-ideas-their-origin-composition-connection-abstraction-etc.md): This chapter introduces the foundational principles of Hume's empiricism, distinguishing between impressions and ideas, and explaining how ideas are derived from impressions. It explores the division of perceptions into 

> 103 more chapter companions — [open a free preview](https://www.betterreads.dev/reader?bookId=a_treatise_of_human_nature_se_1475kb&preview=1) to unlock the rest.

- [Section I: Of the Origin of Our Ideas](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_treatise_of_human_nature_se/chapters/section-i-of-the-origin-of-our-ideas.md)
- [Section II: Division of the Subject](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_treatise_of_human_nature_se/chapters/section-ii-division-of-the-subject.md)
- [Section III: Of the Ideas of the Memory and Imagination](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_treatise_of_human_nature_se/chapters/section-iii-of-the-ideas-of-the-memory-and-imagination.md)
- [Section IV: Of the Connection or Association of Ideas](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_treatise_of_human_nature_se/chapters/section-iv-of-the-connection-or-association-of-ideas.md)
- [Section V: Of Relations](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_treatise_of_human_nature_se/chapters/section-v-of-relations.md)
- [Section VI: Of Modes and Substances](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_treatise_of_human_nature_se/chapters/section-vi-of-modes-and-substances.md)
- [Section VII: Of Abstract Ideas](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_treatise_of_human_nature_se/chapters/section-vii-of-abstract-ideas.md)
- [Part II: Of the Ideas of Space and Time](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_treatise_of_human_nature_se/chapters/part-ii-of-the-ideas-of-space-and-time.md)
- [Section I: Of the Infinite Divisibility of Our Ideas of Space and Time](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_treatise_of_human_nature_se/chapters/section-i-of-the-infinite-divisibility-of-our-ideas-of-space-and-time.md)
- [Section II: Of the Infinite Divisibility of Space and Time](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_treatise_of_human_nature_se/chapters/section-ii-of-the-infinite-divisibility-of-space-and-time.md)
- [Section III: Of the Other Qualities of Our Idea of Space and Time](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_treatise_of_human_nature_se/chapters/section-iii-of-the-other-qualities-of-our-idea-of-space-and-time.md)
- [Section IV: Objections Answered](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_treatise_of_human_nature_se/chapters/section-iv-objections-answered.md)
- [Section V: The Same Subject Continued](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_treatise_of_human_nature_se/chapters/section-v-the-same-subject-continued.md)
- [Section VI: Of the Idea of Existence, and of External Existence](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_treatise_of_human_nature_se/chapters/section-vi-of-the-idea-of-existence-and-of-external-existence.md)
- [Part III: Of Knowledge and Probability](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_treatise_of_human_nature_se/chapters/part-iii-of-knowledge-and-probability.md)
- [Section I: Of Knowledge](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_treatise_of_human_nature_se/chapters/section-i-of-knowledge.md)
- [Section II: Of Probability, and of the Idea of Cause and Effect](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_treatise_of_human_nature_se/chapters/section-ii-of-probability-and-of-the-idea-of-cause-and-effect.md)
- [Section III: Why a Cause Is Always Necessary](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_treatise_of_human_nature_se/chapters/section-iii-why-a-cause-is-always-necessary.md)
- [Section IV: Of the Component Parts of Our Reasonings Concerning Cause and Effect](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_treatise_of_human_nature_se/chapters/section-iv-of-the-component-parts-of-our-reasonings-concerning-cause-and-effect.md)
- [Section V: Of the Impressions of the Senses and Memory](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_treatise_of_human_nature_se/chapters/section-v-of-the-impressions-of-the-senses-and-memory.md)
- [Section VI: Of the Inference from the Impression to the Idea](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_treatise_of_human_nature_se/chapters/section-vi-of-the-inference-from-the-impression-to-the-idea.md)
- [Section VII: Of the Nature of the Idea or Belief](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_treatise_of_human_nature_se/chapters/section-vii-of-the-nature-of-the-idea-or-belief.md)
- [Section VIII: Of the Causes of Belief](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_treatise_of_human_nature_se/chapters/section-viii-of-the-causes-of-belief.md)
- [Section IX: Of the Effects of Other Relations and Other Habits](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_treatise_of_human_nature_se/chapters/section-ix-of-the-effects-of-other-relations-and-other-habits.md)
- [Section X: Of the Influence of Belief](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_treatise_of_human_nature_se/chapters/section-x-of-the-influence-of-belief.md)
- [Section XI: Of the Probability of Chances](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_treatise_of_human_nature_se/chapters/section-xi-of-the-probability-of-chances.md)
- [Section XII: Of the Probability of Causes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_treatise_of_human_nature_se/chapters/section-xii-of-the-probability-of-causes.md)
- [Section XIII: Of Unphilosophical Probability](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_treatise_of_human_nature_se/chapters/section-xiii-of-unphilosophical-probability.md)
- [Section XIV: Of the Idea of Necessary Connection](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_treatise_of_human_nature_se/chapters/section-xiv-of-the-idea-of-necessary-connection.md)
- [Section XV: Rules by Which to Judge of Causes and Effects](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_treatise_of_human_nature_se/chapters/section-xv-rules-by-which-to-judge-of-causes-and-effects.md)
- [Section XVI: Of the Reason of Animals](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_treatise_of_human_nature_se/chapters/section-xvi-of-the-reason-of-animals.md)
- [Part IV: Of the Sceptical and Other Systems of Philosophy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_treatise_of_human_nature_se/chapters/part-iv-of-the-sceptical-and-other-systems-of-philosophy.md)
- [Section I: Of Scepticism with Regard to Reason](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_treatise_of_human_nature_se/chapters/section-i-of-scepticism-with-regard-to-reason.md)
- [Section II: Of Scepticism with Regard to the Senses](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_treatise_of_human_nature_se/chapters/section-ii-of-scepticism-with-regard-to-the-senses.md)
- [Section III: Of the Ancient Philosophy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_treatise_of_human_nature_se/chapters/section-iii-of-the-ancient-philosophy.md)
- [Section IV: Of the Modern Philosophy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_treatise_of_human_nature_se/chapters/section-iv-of-the-modern-philosophy.md)
- [Section V: Of the Immateriality of the Soul](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_treatise_of_human_nature_se/chapters/section-v-of-the-immateriality-of-the-soul.md)
- [Section VI: Of Personal Identity](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_treatise_of_human_nature_se/chapters/section-vi-of-personal-identity.md)
- [Section VII: Conclusion of This Book](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_treatise_of_human_nature_se/chapters/section-vii-conclusion-of-this-book.md)
- [Book II: Of the Passions](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_treatise_of_human_nature_se/chapters/book-ii-of-the-passions.md)
- [Part I: Of Pride and Humility](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_treatise_of_human_nature_se/chapters/part-i-of-pride-and-humility.md)
- [Section I: Division of the Subject](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_treatise_of_human_nature_se/chapters/section-i-division-of-the-subject.md)
- [Section II: Of Pride and Humility, Their Objects and Causes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_treatise_of_human_nature_se/chapters/section-ii-of-pride-and-humility-their-objects-and-causes.md)
- [Section III: Whence These Objects and Causes Are Derived](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_treatise_of_human_nature_se/chapters/section-iii-whence-these-objects-and-causes-are-derived.md)
- [Section IV: Of the Relations of Impressions and Ideas](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_treatise_of_human_nature_se/chapters/section-iv-of-the-relations-of-impressions-and-ideas.md)
- [Section V: Of the Influence of These Relations on Pride and Humility](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_treatise_of_human_nature_se/chapters/section-v-of-the-influence-of-these-relations-on-pride-and-humility.md)
- [Section VI: Limitations of This System](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_treatise_of_human_nature_se/chapters/section-vi-limitations-of-this-system.md)
- [Section VII: Of Vice and Virtue](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_treatise_of_human_nature_se/chapters/section-vii-of-vice-and-virtue.md)
- [Section VIII: Of Beauty and Deformity](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_treatise_of_human_nature_se/chapters/section-viii-of-beauty-and-deformity.md)
- [Section IX: Of External Advantages and Disadvantages](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_treatise_of_human_nature_se/chapters/section-ix-of-external-advantages-and-disadvantages.md)
- [Section X: Of Property and Riches](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_treatise_of_human_nature_se/chapters/section-x-of-property-and-riches.md)
- [Section XI: Of the Love of Fame](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_treatise_of_human_nature_se/chapters/section-xi-of-the-love-of-fame.md)
- [Section XII: Of the Pride and Humility of Animals](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_treatise_of_human_nature_se/chapters/section-xii-of-the-pride-and-humility-of-animals.md)
- [Part II: Of Love and Hatred](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_treatise_of_human_nature_se/chapters/part-ii-of-love-and-hatred.md)
- [Section I: Of the Object and Causes of Love and Hatred](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_treatise_of_human_nature_se/chapters/section-i-of-the-object-and-causes-of-love-and-hatred.md)
- [Section II: Experiments to Confirm This System](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_treatise_of_human_nature_se/chapters/section-ii-experiments-to-confirm-this-system.md)
- [Section III: Difficulties Solved](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_treatise_of_human_nature_se/chapters/section-iii-difficulties-solved.md)
- [Section IV: Of the Love of Relations](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_treatise_of_human_nature_se/chapters/section-iv-of-the-love-of-relations.md)
- [Section V: Of Our Esteem for the Rich and Powerful](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_treatise_of_human_nature_se/chapters/section-v-of-our-esteem-for-the-rich-and-powerful.md)
- [Section VI: Of Benevolence and Anger](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_treatise_of_human_nature_se/chapters/section-vi-of-benevolence-and-anger.md)
- [Section VII: Of Compassion](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_treatise_of_human_nature_se/chapters/section-vii-of-compassion.md)
- [Section VIII: Of Malice and Envy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_treatise_of_human_nature_se/chapters/section-viii-of-malice-and-envy.md)
- [Section IX: Of the Mixture of Benevolence and Anger with Compassion and Malice](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_treatise_of_human_nature_se/chapters/section-ix-of-the-mixture-of-benevolence-and-anger-with-compassion-and-malice.md)
- [Section X: Of Respect and Contempt](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_treatise_of_human_nature_se/chapters/section-x-of-respect-and-contempt.md)
- [Section XI: Of the Amorous Passion, or Love Betwixt the Sexes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_treatise_of_human_nature_se/chapters/section-xi-of-the-amorous-passion-or-love-betwixt-the-sexes.md)
- [Section XII: Of the Love and Hatred of Animals](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_treatise_of_human_nature_se/chapters/section-xii-of-the-love-and-hatred-of-animals.md)
- [Part III: Of the Will and Direct Passions](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_treatise_of_human_nature_se/chapters/part-iii-of-the-will-and-direct-passions.md)
- [Section I: Of Liberty and Necessity](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_treatise_of_human_nature_se/chapters/section-i-of-liberty-and-necessity.md)
- [Section II: The Same Subject Continued](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_treatise_of_human_nature_se/chapters/section-ii-the-same-subject-continued.md)
- [Section III: Of the Influencing Motives of the Will](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_treatise_of_human_nature_se/chapters/section-iii-of-the-influencing-motives-of-the-will.md)
- [Section IV: Of the Causes of the Violent Passions](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_treatise_of_human_nature_se/chapters/section-iv-of-the-causes-of-the-violent-passions.md)
- [Section V: Of the Effects of Custom](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_treatise_of_human_nature_se/chapters/section-v-of-the-effects-of-custom.md)
- [Section VI: Of the Influence of the Imagination on the Passions](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_treatise_of_human_nature_se/chapters/section-vi-of-the-influence-of-the-imagination-on-the-passions.md)
- [Section VII: Of Contiguity and Distance in Space and Time](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_treatise_of_human_nature_se/chapters/section-vii-of-contiguity-and-distance-in-space-and-time.md)
- [Section VIII: The Same Subject Continued](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_treatise_of_human_nature_se/chapters/section-viii-the-same-subject-continued.md)
- [Section IX: Of the Direct Passions](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_treatise_of_human_nature_se/chapters/section-ix-of-the-direct-passions.md)
- [Section X: Of Curiosity, or the Love of Truth](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_treatise_of_human_nature_se/chapters/section-x-of-curiosity-or-the-love-of-truth.md)
- [Book III: Of Morals](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_treatise_of_human_nature_se/chapters/book-iii-of-morals.md)
- [Part I: Of Virtue and Vice in General](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_treatise_of_human_nature_se/chapters/part-i-of-virtue-and-vice-in-general.md)
- [Section I: Moral Distinctions Not Derived from Reason](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_treatise_of_human_nature_se/chapters/section-i-moral-distinctions-not-derived-from-reason.md)
- [Section II: Moral Distinctions Derived from a Moral Sense](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_treatise_of_human_nature_se/chapters/section-ii-moral-distinctions-derived-from-a-moral-sense.md)
- [Part II: Of Justice and Injustice](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_treatise_of_human_nature_se/chapters/part-ii-of-justice-and-injustice.md)
- [Section I: Justice, Whether a Natural or Artificial Virtue?](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_treatise_of_human_nature_se/chapters/section-i-justice-whether-a-natural-or-artificial-virtue.md)
- [Section II: Of the Origin of Justice and Property](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_treatise_of_human_nature_se/chapters/section-ii-of-the-origin-of-justice-and-property.md)
- [Section III: Of the Rules Which Determine Property](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_treatise_of_human_nature_se/chapters/section-iii-of-the-rules-which-determine-property.md)
- [Section IV: Of the Transference of Property by Consent](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_treatise_of_human_nature_se/chapters/section-iv-of-the-transference-of-property-by-consent.md)
- [Section V: Of the Obligation of Promises](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_treatise_of_human_nature_se/chapters/section-v-of-the-obligation-of-promises.md)
- [Section VI: Some Farther Reflections Concerning Justice and Injustice](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_treatise_of_human_nature_se/chapters/section-vi-some-farther-reflections-concerning-justice-and-injustice.md)
- [Section VII: Of the Origin of Government](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_treatise_of_human_nature_se/chapters/section-vii-of-the-origin-of-government.md)
- [Section VIII: Of the Source of Allegiance](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_treatise_of_human_nature_se/chapters/section-viii-of-the-source-of-allegiance.md)
- [Section IX: Of the Measures of Allegiance](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_treatise_of_human_nature_se/chapters/section-ix-of-the-measures-of-allegiance.md)
- [Section X: Of the Objects of Allegiance](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_treatise_of_human_nature_se/chapters/section-x-of-the-objects-of-allegiance.md)
- [Section XI: Of the Laws of Nations](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_treatise_of_human_nature_se/chapters/section-xi-of-the-laws-of-nations.md)
- [Section XII: Of Chastity and Modesty](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_treatise_of_human_nature_se/chapters/section-xii-of-chastity-and-modesty.md)
- [Part III: Of the Other Virtues and Vices](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_treatise_of_human_nature_se/chapters/part-iii-of-the-other-virtues-and-vices.md)
- [Section I: Of the Origin of the Natural Virtues and Vices](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_treatise_of_human_nature_se/chapters/section-i-of-the-origin-of-the-natural-virtues-and-vices.md)
- [Section II: Of Greatness of Mind](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_treatise_of_human_nature_se/chapters/section-ii-of-greatness-of-mind.md)
- [Section III: Of Goodness and Benevolence](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_treatise_of_human_nature_se/chapters/section-iii-of-goodness-and-benevolence.md)
- [Section IV: Of Natural Abilities](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_treatise_of_human_nature_se/chapters/section-iv-of-natural-abilities.md)
- [Section V: Some Farther Reflections Concerning the Natural Virtues](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_treatise_of_human_nature_se/chapters/section-v-some-farther-reflections-concerning-the-natural-virtues.md)
- [Section VI: Conclusion of This Book](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_treatise_of_human_nature_se/chapters/section-vi-conclusion-of-this-book.md)
- [Appendix](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_treatise_of_human_nature_se/chapters/appendix.md)
- [Endnotes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_treatise_of_human_nature_se/chapters/endnotes.md)

HTML index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_treatise_of_human_nature_se/chapters