Hume’s Stoicism: Reflections on Happiness and the Value of Philosophy

Philosophers have become accustomed to being queried as the value of their discipline. Hume, too, grappled with these questions. In a collection four essays, entitled “The Epicurean,” Stoic,” Platonist,” and Sceptic,” Hume discusses nature happiness. Sceptic” closes by downplaying philosophy, in particular its ability meaningfully contribute human Which characters, if any, speaks for Hume? this paper, I clarify issue comparing essays Hume’s Enquiries, find that his position is best expressed Stoic, he contradicts other three interlocutors on aspects primary theses—he disagrees conceptions happy life espoused Platonist Epicurean, Sceptic Epicurean regarding changeability nature. For virtuous industrious one, philosophy helps us achieve ideal molding our passions temperament.