# Epicurus — An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding character guide

> Epicurus in An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding by David Hume.

**Role:** minor

**First appearance:** 0010-xi-of-a-particular-providence-and-of-a-future-state

## Who they are

Ancient Greek philosopher referenced for his views on pleasure and the gods.

## Relationships

### [Narrator](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_enquiry_concerning_human_understanding_se/characters/narrator)

_psychological_

The narrator uses Epicurus as a philosophical foil to explore themes of skepticism and the limits of human understanding.

## In the story

### [Of the Different Species of Philosophy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_enquiry_concerning_human_understanding_se/chapters/i-of-the-different-species-of-philosophy)

Referenced as an example of an ancient philosopher whose reputation has endured, in contrast to the decayed fame of Aristotle.

### [Of a Particular Providence and of a Future State](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_enquiry_concerning_human_understanding_se/chapters/xi-of-a-particular-providence-and-of-a-future-state)

Defends the position that no new facts about providence or a future state can be inferred from the observed order of nature, and that all reasoning must be from effects to causes.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_enquiry_concerning_human_understanding_se/characters/epicurus
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_enquiry_concerning_human_understanding_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_enquiry_concerning_human_understanding_se/characters