more from David Hume

Single Idea 21310

[catalogued under 16. Persons / E. Rejecting the Self / 4. Denial of the Self]

Full Idea

Suppose an oyster to have only one perception, as of thirst or hunger. Do you consider any thing but merely that perception? Have you any notion of self or substance? If not, the addition of other perceptions can never give you that notion.

Gist of Idea

Does an oyster with one perception have a self? Would lots of perceptions change that?

Source

David Hume (Treatise of Human Nature, + Appendix [1740], Appendix)

Book Reference

Hume,David: 'A Treatise of Human Nature', ed/tr. Selby-Bigge/Nidditch [OUP 1978], p.634


A Reaction

A splendid addition to his earlier sceptical thinking. We could form a different conclusion. Suppose I do have a self. If my multitudinous perceptions were reduced to a single perception of agonising pain, would that remove the self?