Explanation of David Hume's essay, "Of the Standard of Taste"
Explanation of David Hume's essay, "Of the Standard of Taste" David Hume, born in Edinburgh (1711-1776), studied law but switched to philosophy with such passion, it hurt his health. He traveled France multiple times, befriending famous thinkers like d'Alembert, Turgot, and Rousseau. Even helping Rousseau find a job and home in England! Hume's most famous work was in philosophy, pushing the ideas of Locke to the extreme, questioning everything. He also wrote an eight-volume history of England and many essays on politics, money, right and wrong, and even beauty! "Of the Standard of Taste" by David Hume wasn't published as a standalone work, but appeared as part of a collection called "Four Dissertations" in 1757. So, while Hume likely wrote the essay earlier, it officially reached the public in that year. This piece, "Of the Standard of Taste," shows his clear thinking and smooth writing. He's considered one of th...