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Single Idea 3819

[from 'Treatise of Human Nature' by David Hume, in 16. Persons / B. Nature of the Self / 5. Self as Associations ]

Full Idea

Hume's thought that each perception is separate and distinct cannot be right, because then we can't distinguish between one consciousness with ten experiences and ten different consciousnesses.

Gist of Idea

Hume's 'bundle' won't distinguish one mind with ten experiences from ten minds

Source

comment on David Hume (Treatise of Human Nature [1739]) by John Searle - Rationality in Action Ch.3.VI

Book Reference

Searle,John R.: 'Rationality in Action' [MIT 2001], p.77


A Reaction

Why can't the only connection between them be that they all occur to the speaker who reports to them? How would I know if one of 'my' mental events actually belonged to a neighbour and had strayed. If it was coherent, I would accept it.