Study Notes on 'Of Miracles' by David Hume

OF MIRACLES - DAVID HUME

SECTION X
Introduction
  • This section deals with the concept of miracles and critiques the arguments for their validity.
  • It starts by referencing Dr. Tillotson's works, highlighting his contributions to the debate on the doctrine of the real presence in relation to Christian belief.
Argument Against Real Presence
  • Dr. Tillotson presents a concise, elegant, and robust argument against the doctrine of real presence in the Eucharist.
  • The crux of his argument relies on the authority of scripture and tradition, which he argues is fundamentally based on the testimony of the apostles, who were eyewitnesses to the miracles of Jesus Christ.
  • This argument suggests that:
    • All Evidence is Rooted in Testimony: The validity of Christian doctrine can only be established through the apostolic testimony of miracles.
    • Comparison of Evidence:
    • The evidence supporting the Christian religion is likened to that of our senses, suggesting it is demonstrably weaker.
    • The apostles’ firsthand accounts constitute direct evidence, whereas evidence diminishes as it is relayed through subsequent generations of disciples.
  • Hume argues that since the evidence of scripture and tradition is not as immediate or compelling as sensory experience, one should not place greater trust in these testimonies than in sensory evidence.
  • Conclusion of Argument:
    • A weaker level of evidence (testimony) cannot override stronger evidence (sensory experience); thus, even if scripture were to authoritatively state the presence of Christ in the Eucharist, one cannot justifiably accept it due to this reasoning.
    • Example of Inconsistent Reasoning: Accepting scripture or tradition over immediate sense contradicts rational thought.
  • Importance of Immediate Experience:
    • Hume stresses that only through direct experience can one truly understand or evaluate religious claims.
Implications for Superstition and Delusion
  • Hume sees the argument against real presence as a critical tool in combating superstition and delusion in faith contexts:
    • Silencing Superstition: By establishing stronger reasoning through personal experience, individuals can resist superstitious beliefs or dogma.
    • Rational Inquiry: This argument symbolizes an ongoing struggle between rational inquiry and superstition.
    • Application Across History: Hume asserts that accounts of miracles will always exist across history, both in sacred and secular domains.
Limitations of Experience
  • Acknowledges that experience, although critical in reasoning about factual matters, is not infallible.
  • The empirical basis for belief must be considered carefully, as experience can vary among individuals, potentially leading to misconceptions.
  • Highlights the need for skepticism in evaluating extraordinary claims, such as miracles.