Character guide

David Hume

major

Also known as I, me, myself, we, our, ourselves

Hume positions himself as both scientist and specimen, proposing to apply the experimental method of reasoning to moral subjects and inviting the public to judge the result. The tension is built into his method: he wants to explain feeling and thinking by appeal to impressions and ideas, yet must rely on the very faculties he is dissecting. His early arc matters because he stakes his entire project on a single, audacious distinction—force and liveliness—and asks the reader to test it against their own consciousness.

Alexander

minor

Also known as Alexander the Great

Historical figure referenced in philosophical examples about ambition and conquest.

Themistocles

minor

Athenian general cited in examples about pride and esteem.

Spinoza

minor

Philosopher whose system is discussed and critiqued in the treatise.

Julius Caesar

minor

Also known as Caesar

Roman general referenced in examples about fame and historical reputation.

Cyrus

minor

Historical king mentioned in discussions of ambition and power.

Mr. Locke

minor

Also known as John Locke

Philosopher whose ideas are referenced and critiqued throughout the work.

Plato

minor

Ancient philosopher mentioned in discussions of ideas and philosophy.

Germanicus

minor

Roman general referenced in examples about fame and reputation.

Cornelia

minor

Roman matron cited in examples about pride and family.

Mr. Philips

minor

Contemporary figure referenced in philosophical examples.