A Dissertation on Miracles: Containing An Examination of the Principles advanced by David Hume, Esq; in an Essay on Miracles.

HUME, David - CAMPBELL, George.

Published by Edinburgh: Printed for A. Kincaid & J. Bell, 1762

About this Item

First edition of this defence of the provability of miracles, widely held at the time to have defeated Humean scepticism. Campbell's Dissertation, the most elaborate critique of Hume's argument against miracles, helped establish him as one of Christianity's leading apologists in Britain. George Campbell (1719-1796) was among Scotland's most prominent exponents of common-sense philosophy and a leading figure of the Scottish Enlightenment. In the Dissertation, he applies common-sense principles to challenge Hume's assertion that all testimonial claims regarding miracles were inherently unbelievable. Although Hume followed his policy of not engaging in direct disputes with his critics, he wrote to a friend who had forwarded him a copy of the Dissertation that "I have perused the ingenious performance. I could wish your friend had not denominated me an infidel writer, on account of ten or twelve pages. Is a man to be called a drunkard, because he has been seen fuddled once in his lifetime?" (quoted in Mossner, p. 292). Chuo III, 64; ESTC T73220; Jessop, p. 113. Ernest Campbell Mossner, The Life of David Hume, 1954. Octavo (202 x 124 mm), pp. xii, 288. Bound without half-title. Contemporary sprinkled calf, rebacked to style, spine and covers with double-fillet panelling in gilt, spine with red morocco label, edges sprinkled red. Early ownership signature of one Michael Kearney, possibly the provost of Trinity College Dublin (1734-1814), to head of title page. Light wear and infrequent minor foxing, closed tear to lower margin of F3, touching text: a very good copy.

Seller Inventory # 158752

Bibliographic Details

• Title: A Dissertation on Miracles: Containing An Examination of the Principles advanced by David Hume, Esq; in an Essay on Miracles.
• Publisher: Edinburgh: Printed for A. Kincaid & J. Bell, 1762
• Edition: 1st Edition