' Commit it then to the flames for it can contain nothing but sophistry & illusion' Thus ends David Hume's Enquiry concerning Human Understanding the definitive statement of the greatest philosopher in the English language His arguments in support of reasoning from experience & against the 'sophistry & illusion' of religiously inspired philosophical fantasies caused controversy in the eighteenth century & are strikingly relevant today when faith & science continue to clash The Enquiry considers the origin & processes of human thought reaching the stark conclusion that we can have no ultimate understanding of the physical world or indeed our own minds In either sphere we must depend on instinctive learning from experience recognizing our animal nature & the limits of reason Hume's calm & open-minded scepticism thus aims to provide a new basis for science liberating us from the 'superstition' of false metaphysics & religion His Enquiry remains one of the best introductions to the study of philosophy & this edition places it in its historical & philosophical context ABOUT THE SERIES For over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has made available the widest range of literature from around the globe Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to scholarship providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features including expert introductions by leading authorities helpful notes to clarify the text up-to-date bibliographies for further study & much more