Includes bibliographical references (p. [225]-229) and index

Descartes's new theory of reasoning -- Locke on reasoning -- Hume and ideas: relations and association -- Intuition, certainty, and demonstrative reasoning -- Probable reasoning: the negative argument -- Belief an the development of Hume's account of probable reasoning -- Reason, belief, and scepticism -- The limits and warrant of reason

"David Owen explores Hume's account of reason and its role in human understanding, seen in the context of other notable accounts by philosophers of the early modern period. Many of the most famous problems that Hume discusses, and many of the positions that he advocates, are expressed in terms of reason. It is central to his arguments about induction, belief, scepticism, the passions, and moral distinctions; to understand Hume's influential views on these matters, we must understand what his view of reason is." "Hume's Reason offers a new interpretation of some of Hume's central ideas, and a treatment of reason which will be illuminating not just to historians of modern philosophy but to all philosophers who are concerned with the workings of human cognition."--Jacket