Political Discourses (1752)

Political Discourses is a collection of essays written by the renowned Scottish philosopher David Hume in 1752. The book is divided into two parts, the first of which focuses on the principles of government and the second on specific political issues. In the first part, Hume discusses the nature of government and the role it plays in society. He argues that government is necessary to maintain order and protect individual rights, but also warns against the dangers of excessive government power. Hume explores the concept of political authority and the legitimacy of government, arguing that it is based on the consent of the governed. The second part of the book delves into specific political issues, including taxation, trade, and foreign policy. Hume advocates for free trade and opposes protectionist policies, arguing that they harm both domestic and foreign economies. He also argues for a more restrained foreign policy, warning against the dangers of imperialistic ambitions. Throughout the book, Hume emphasizes the importance of reason and evidence in political decision-making. He argues against dogmatism and blind adherence to tradition, and instead advocates for a critical approach to politics. Overall, Political Discourses is a seminal work in political philosophy that continues to influence political thought today. Hume's insights into the nature of government, the role of reason in politics, and the importance of individual rights remain relevant and thought-provoking.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.