130,000+ Books, Games & Puzzles in-stock πŸ‡³πŸ‡Ώ

Overnight NZ-wide delivery πŸš€ Auckland Bookstore β€’ Open 7 days, 8:30am–5pm

An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding

with Hume's Abstract of A Treatise of Human Nature and A Letter from a Gentleman to His Friend in Edinburgh
3.84 goodreads logo

Ratings/reviews counts are updated frequently.

Check link for latest rating.
( 984 ratings, 92 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding by David Hume is a landmark of Enlightenment philosophy, exploring the nature of human knowledge and understanding. This edition includes two shorter related works: A Letter from a Gentleman to His Friend in Edinburgh, where Hume addresses accusations of atheism and scepticism, and his Abstract of A Treatise of Human Nature, which anticipates themes further developed in the Enquiry. Eric Steinberg's introduction contextualises the work and its significance in Hume's broader philosophical project.
Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
$1699
AVAILABLE WITH SUPPLIER Ships from our Auckland warehouse within 4-6 weeks

Found a better price? Request a price match

Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This edition is ideal for students and scholars of philosophy, as well as readers interested in Enlightenment thought and the foundations of epistemology and morality.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

A landmark of Enlightenment thought, Hume's Enquiry Concerning HumanUnderstanding accompanied here by two shorter works that shed light on it: A Letter from a Gentleman to His Friend in Edinburgh and his Abstract of A Treatise on Human Nature .

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

A landmark of enlightenment thought, Hume's An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding is accompanied here by two shorter works that shed light on it: A Letter from a Gentleman to His Friend in Edinburgh, Hume's response to those accusing him of atheism, of advocating extreme scepticism, and of undermining the foundations of morality; and his Abstract of A Treatise of Human Nature, which anticipates discussions developed in the Enquiry.

In his concise introduction, Eric Steinberg explores the conditions that led Hume to write the Enquiry and the work's important relationship to Book 1 of Hume's A Treatise of Human Nature.

Series: Hackett Classics

View all
  • Plato: Five Dialogues
    The second edition of Five Dialogues presents G. M. A. Grube's distinguished translations, as revised by John Cooper for Plato, Complete Works. A number of new or expanded footnotes are also included along with an updated bibliography.
    By Plato
    Paperback
    $3499
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • Second Treatise of Government
    The Second Treatise of Government is one of the most important political treatises ever written and one of the most far-reaching in its influence. In his provocative 15-page introduction to this edition, the late eminent political theorist C. B. Macpherson examines Locke's arguments for limited, conditional government, private property, and the right of revolution. He also suggests reasons for the...
    Paperback
    $1699
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • Republic
    Since its publication in 1974, scholars throughout the humanities have adopted G M A Grube's masterful translation of Republic as the edition of choice for their study and teaching of Plato's most influential work. In this brilliant revision, C D C Reeve furthers Grube's success both in preserving the subtlety of Plato's philosophical argument and in rendering the dialogue in...
    By Plato
    Paperback
    $1699
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • The Trials of Socrates
    This unique and expertly annotated collection of the classic accounts of Socrates left by Plato, Aristophanes, and Xenophon features new translations of Euthyphro, Apology, Crito, and the death scene from Phaedo by C. D. C. Reeve, Peter Meineck's translation of Clouds, and James Doyle's translation of Apology of Socrates.
    Paperback
    $2499
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Tao Te Ching
    Deftly introduced and enriched by the remarkable ink paintings of Stephen Addiss, this new translation of Tao Te Ching captures the terse and enigmatic beauty of the ancient original while resisting the tendency toward interpretive paraphrase found in many other editions. Along with the translation of the complete work, Lombardo and Addiss provide the reader with a measure of interaction...
    By Lao Tzu
    Paperback
    $1799
    Backorder
    Ships late October
  • Histories
    This volume includes a wealth of helpful footnotes; more than a dozen maps and illustrations; a chronology of the Archaic Age; a glossary of main characters, places, and terms; suggested further reading; and an index of proper nouns. Histories edition reproduces the fluent pace and readability of Herodotus' world-encompassing work. Mensch has produced a close translation of Herodotus' Greek that...
    Paperback
    $3499
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • The True History of The Conquest of New Spain
    This rugged new translationβ€”the first entirely new English translation in half a century and the only one based on the most recent critical edition of the Guatemalan manuscriptβ€”allows DΓ­az to recount, in his own battle-weary and often cynical voice, the achievements, stratagems, and frequent cruelty of HernΓ‘n CortΓ©s and his men as they set out to overthrow Moctezuma's Aztec kingdom...
    Paperback
    $2999
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • Republic
    Republic offers readers more than just a seminal philosophical text; it is accompanied by a variety of helpful tools for a deeper understanding. This edition includes a select bibliography for further reading and research. Additionally, it provides a synopsis of each book within Republic, allowing readers to grasp the core ideas and themes at a glance. To aid in comprehending...
    By Plato
    Paperback
    $3499
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • Satyricon
    This new Satyricon features not only a lively, new, annotated translation of the text, but also fresh, and accessible commentaries that discuss Petronius' masterpiece in terms of such topics as the identity of Petronius, the transmission of his manuscript, literary influences on the Satyricon, and the distinctive literary form of this work. Additionally, it explores hallmarks of Roman life such...
    Paperback
    $2499
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • Aristotle: Introductory Readings
    Drawn from the translations and editorial aids of Irwin and Fine's Aristotle, Selections, this anthology will be most useful to instructors who must try to do justice to Aristotle in a semester-long ancient philosophy survey. It is also appropriate for a variety of introductory-level courses. This book provides accurate, readable, and integrated translations that allow the reader to follow Aristotle's...
    Paperback
    $2799
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • The Classical Utilitarians
    This volume includes the complete texts of two of John Stuart Mill's most important works, Utilitarianism and On Liberty, and selections from his other writings, including the complete text of his Remarks on Bentham's Philosophy. The selection from Mill's A System of Logic is of special relevance to the debate between those who read Mill as an Act-Utilitarian and those...
    Paperback
    $2999
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • Against the Academicians and The Teacher
    These new translations of two treatises dealing with the possibility and nature of knowledge in the face of sceptical challenges are the first to be rendered from the Latin critical edition. They are the first translations made specifically with a philosophical audience in mind and the first to be translated by a scholar with expertise in both modern epistemology and...
    Paperback
    $2999
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780872202290

Publisher: Hackett Publishing Co, Inc

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 15 November 1993

Country: United States

Imprint: Hackett Publishing Co, Inc

Edition: 2

Illustration: Illustrations

Contributors:

  • Edited by Eric Steinberg

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 13.0mm

Width: 140.0mm

Height: 216.0mm

Weight: 142g

Pages: 151

About the Author

E Steinberg

Also by David Hume

View all
  • A Treatise of Human Nature
    A Treatise of Human Nature is David Hume's seminal work, where he embarks on an expansive exploration of the complexities of human psychology and the ways in which our minds navigate the world. The book is divided into three parts: the understanding, the passions, and morals, each addressing critical inquiries into human cognition, emotion, and conduct. Published in 1739-40 when...
    Paperback
    $3800
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Complete Essays: Volume 1
    A superb new edition of the essays of one of the greatest and most enjoyable prose writers in English. David Hume reshaped, redirected, and re-energised the English essay. His sceptical, rational, self-questioning persona created what amounted to a new intellectual arena, in which it was possible to think afresh about the world and the self. When he famously wrote that...
    Hardback
    $10500
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • People Power
    Why has success been so rare in Australian referendums? From the failed attempt to ban communism in 1951 to the unsuccessful Voice referendum in 2023, Australians have been cautious about constitutional change, voting 'Yes' to only eight out of 45 referendum proposals. In People Power, the only full history of constitutional change in Australia, constitutional experts George Williams and David...
    Paperback
    $5799
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • Complete Essays: Volume 2
    A superb new edition of the essays of one of the greatest and most enjoyable prose writers in English. David Hume reshaped, redirected, and re-energised the English essay. His sceptical, rational, self-questioning persona created what amounted to a new intellectual arena, in which it was possible to think afresh about the world and the self. When he famously wrote that...
    Hardback
    $10500
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • Dialogues Concerning Natural Religion
    Hume's brilliant and dispassionate essay Of Miracles has been added in this expanded edition of his Dialogues Concerning Natural Religion, which also includes Of the Immortality of the Soul, Of Suicide, and Richard Popkin's illuminating introduction.
    Paperback
    $1399
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Hume: Moral Philosophy
    This volume includes substantial selections from Hume's major works in moral thought and a number of peripheral works, which together provide an illuminating introduction to Hume's moral philosophy.
    Paperback
    Sold Out

More from Education & Reference

View all
  • Revenge of the Tipping Point
    Twenty-five years after the publication of his groundbreaking first book, Malcolm Gladwell returns with a brand new volume that reframes the lessons of The Tipping Point in a startling and revealing light. What does the heartbreaking fate of the cheetah tell us about the way we raise our children? Why do elite universities care so much about sports? What is...
    Paperback
    $2999
    Elsewhere:
    $3999
    (1)
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • The Body Keeps the Score
    The Body Keeps the Score by Dr Bessel van der Kolk is a compelling and compassionate exploration of the deep-seated impact of trauma on the human body and mind. This groundbreaking work delves into the complex causes of trauma and paints a vivid picture of the revolutionary treatments that are enabling countless individuals to reclaim their lives filled with purpose...
    Paperback
    $2400
    Elsewhere:
    $3000
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • New Release
    Song of the Birds
    A stunning and panoramic history of native birds in Aotearoa, from the bestselling author of The Meaning of Trees For millions of years, the song of the birds echoed throughout Aotearoa, with no one around to hear it. While the arrival of humans would transform their story forever - birds may have changed us even more. In this beautiful and...
    Hardback
    $4499
    Elsewhere:
    $5500
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Lucky You're Tough
    New Release
    Lucky You're Tough
    Lucky You're Tough chronicles the early life of helicopter pilot and NZSAS soldier Mark Law, from growing up in the rural wilds of Whangamōmona through to surviving a series of life-threatening events that would shape his life and career. After a career as a badged soldier in the NZSAS that led to an intriguing stint with the British SAS and...
    Paperback
    $3199
    Elsewhere:
    $3999
    (1)
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • The Age Code
    What if the food you eat could rewind your biological clock? 'Clear and compelling' β€” Chris van Tulleken 'Really interesting and insightful' β€” Joe Wicks 'Fascinating' β€” Tim Spector From the rising incidence of cancer in the under-50s to increased infertility rates, there are signs everywhere that growing numbers of us are ageing too quickly. Why? Many believe there’s one...
    Paperback
    $2999
    Elsewhere:
    $3799
    (1)
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • On Sale
    12% off
    One Last Question, Prime Minister
    From Muldoon to Luxon, untold stories from the House of Parliament Barry Soper has spent close to five decades questioning New Zealand's prime ministers.From the imposing, larger-than-life characters of Rob Muldoon and David Lange, to the golden age of Helen Clark and John Key, and the post-Covid era of Jacinda Ardern and the 'Chrises', Soper's insight and nose for a...
    Paperback
    $2800
    Elsewhere:
    $3999
    (6)
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Fungi of Aotearoa
    The complete introduction to finding, identifying and using mushrooms and other fungi in New Zealand. Enter and explore the fascinating world of fungi. In this practical and up-to-date guide, forager and fungus enthusiast Liv Sisson shares her top tips and takes the reader on a journey to discover the unique and diverse fungi Aotearoa has to offer. Discover how to...
    Paperback
    $3200
    Elsewhere:
    $4500
    (2)
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Suicidal Empathy
    The bestselling author of The Parasitic Mind shows why empathy in politics leads to civilizational collapse. What happens when a society elevates victimhood to a virtue and decides that punishment is cruel? You get the disease Dr. Gad Saad calls suicidal empathy. And the West may be terminally infected. In his new book, Suicidal Empathy, Saad unleashes a blistering critique...
    Paperback
    $3099
    Elsewhere:
    $3799
    (1)
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • On Sale
    15% off
    Maori Made Easy Workbook 1/Kete 1
    Maori Made Easy Workbook 1/Kete 1 by Scotty Morrison is the ultimate companion for anyone eager to learn the beautiful and complex Maori language. Whether you're starting from scratch or looking to brush up on your skills, this workbook offers a structured and engaging way to immerse yourself in te reo Maori. Designed to be accessible regardless of your starting...
    Paperback
    $1700
    Elsewhere:
    $2500
    (1)
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Hormone Health is Mental Health
    New Release
    Hormone Health is Mental Health
    Hormone Health is Mental Health is a lifechanging guide to understanding perimenopause and midlife women's mental health - and how understanding your hormones is the first step to feeling like yourself again. This book is for women in their thirties, forties, and fifties who feel like they're falling apart. Women who feel like their brains and bodies are betraying them,...
    Paperback
    $3299
    Elsewhere:
    $4000
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • On Sale
    23% off
    1984 Nineteen Eighty-Four
    In the drab and oppressive world of 1984 Nineteen Eighty-Four, George Orwell introduces us to Winston Smith, a man haunted by the omnipresent surveillance and control exercised by the Party and its enigmatic leader, Big Brother. Winston works diligently at the Ministry of Truth, where his job is to alter historical records to fit the ever-changing narrative dictated by the...
    Paperback
    $1000
    Usually:
    $1299
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Kitchen Confidential
    The classic bestseller from the star of Parts Unknown and No Reservations: 25th Anniversary edition, with a new introduction by Irvine Welsh. BEFORE THERE WAS THE BEAR, THERE WAS BOURDAIN. β€˜Elizabeth David written by Quentin Tarantino’ β€” A.A. Gill β€˜Fantastic: as lip-smackingly seductive as a bowl of fat chips and pungent aioli’ β€” Daily Telegraph After twenty-five years of sex,...
    Paperback
    $2500
    Elsewhere:
    $2799
    (2)
    In Stock
    Ships today

Why buy from us?

Book Hero is not a chain store or big box retailer. We're an independent 100% NZ-owned business on a mission to help more Kiwis rediscover a love of books and reading!

Service & Delivery

Service & Delivery

Our warehouse in Auckland holds over 100,000 books, toys, board games and puzzles in-stock so you're not waiting for your order to arrive from overseas.

Auckland Bookstore

Auckland Bookstore

We're primarily an online store, but for your convenience you can pick up your order for free from our bookstore, which is right next door to our warehouse in Hobsonville.

Our Gifting Service

Our Gifting Service

Books make wonderful thoughtful gifts and we're here to help with gift-wrapping and cards. We can even send your gift directly to your loved one.