David Hume's Argument Against Miracles: In Discussion with Dr. Matt Flummer

Bio: Matt Flummer is Professor of Philosophy at Porterville College, a position he has held since 2016. He is also the co-host, along with Taylor Cyr, of the podcast The Free Will Show where Taylor and Matt interview scholars from all over the world on their research on free will. A book based on the podcast entitled How Free Are We? was released last year.

 

Presentation Description:  In 1779, Scottish philosopher David Hume published An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding in which he argued against believing in any miracle claims. This is significant for two reasons. First, Hume's arguments are still influential today. And second, because all of the world's major religions contain miracle claims. Thus, if Hume is right, then these religions are wrong. In this presentation, Dr. Flummer will first explain Hume's argument, then he will offer a critique that explains where he thinks Hume's argument goes wrong.