The Imagination in Hume's Philosophy: The Canvas of the Mind

The prominence of the imagination in David Hume’s philosophy has been recognised by generations of readers. In this rich study, Timothy Costelloe gives us the most complete picture yet of Hume’s view of imagination – and its place in his philosophy.

Costelloe convincingly shows that Hume’s concept of imagination is coherent, formulating the features that compose its distinctive character. Discover how this understanding of imagination informs Hume’s approach to the various subjects he treats in his work: metaphysics, morals and politics, aesthetics, history, religion and the practice of philosophy itself.

• The first systematic, book-length study on the nature and role of the imagination in Hume’s philosophy
• Gives a completely new perspective on Hume’s thought, which opens up a great deal of further debate and discussion
• Draws from the whole of Hume’s corpus
• Treats all the major areas Hume considers in his philosophy including metaphysics, morals and politics, aesthetics, history, religion and philosophy