Hume: A Very Short Introduction

The title of the series is "Very Short Introductions," not "Very Short Pedantic Compendiums Written by Arses for Neophyte and Dilettante Consumption Writ Large." A J Ayer's prose is the modicum of brevity and clarity; who better to write a very short introduction than this 'arch-empiricist' of the logical positivist school? Mr. Rogers? Amy Winehouse? T-bag Blair? Donald Rumsfeld? From the sound of the other reviews, the second title offered above may be valid for much of the rest of the series; this one then, is a very fortunate exception.

While appreciating the previous reviewers' criticisms which are not without some merit-- I feel that I must rise to Ayer's defense in saying that this book, though small, pushes one to "think" about Hume's philosophy while trying to get a handle on it. Isn't that what introductions are to be about? Ayers introduces a particular aspect of Hume's thought, agrees or disagrees then moves on. Their criticism's, however, do have some merit. Ayer reads Hume through his own lenses, who doesn't, and is not above bringing Hume to task when he feels that it is warranted. However, Ayer also respects Hume the philosopher, and presents Hume in this small book in a courteous light. This was one of the first books I read on Hume's thought and I found it to be quite helpful. It was a good jumping off point into weightier works-- it's not simplistic, nor is it a Cliff-Notes version, but a presentation of Hume's work, which in itself requires some careful thought, simply because Hume himself is carrying on a conversation with other phiosophers (some long since dead) but it is also a thoughtful conversation with Hume, about the issues Hume raised, by an emiment philosopher in his own right. I'm not sure that it doesn't belong in the series, having read several of the others. Ayer makes his point and then moves on without spending too many pages waxing eloquent. For someone wanting to learn about Hume's philosophy, but not wanting to read a long list of books, this is a good introduction to the main themes that Hume is noted for bringing to light and discussing. My practice in reading this book was to read a few pages, put it down and then read a few more. I found this a helpful way to let what Ayer said digest. Perhaps it should have been an easier read, but then the themes Hume touches upon are not easy subjects to begin with. In sum, I found it a worthwhile book.