How does Hume define a miracle what might impressions and ideas have to do with a miracle being true or false?

A miracle (from the Latin mirari, to wonder), at a first and very rough approximation, is an event that is not explicable by natural causes alone. A reported miracle excites wonder because it appears to require, as its cause, something beyond the reach of human action and natural causes.

What is miracle in philosophy of religion?

In its most basic sense, a miracle is an unusual, unexpected, observable event brought about by direct divine intervention. The focus of this study is on the key conceptual, epistemological, and theological issues that this definition of the miraculous continues to raise.

What is Hume theory?

According to Hume’s theory of the mind, the passions (what we today would call emotions, feelings, and desires) are impressions rather than ideas (original, vivid and lively perceptions that are not copied from other perceptions). Intentional actions are caused by the direct passions (including the instincts).

Does Hume believe in God?

This combination of skepticism and empiricism leads many to presume that, regarding the question of God, Hume is an atheist or, at best, an agnostic. Hume challenges some of the arguments for the existence of God, but repeatedly in his writings, he affirms God’s existence and speculates about God’s nature.

How is Hume’s argument against miracles circular?

It has been argued by critics such as the Presbyterian minister George Campbell, that Hume’s argument is circular. That is, he rests his case against belief in miracles upon the claim that laws of nature are supported by exceptionless testimony, but testimony can only be accounted exceptionless if we discount the occurrence of miracles.

Why does David Hume not believe in Miracles?

But if the reasoning in David Hume’s epistemological argument against belief in miracles [ 2] is correct, then no matter how hard God tries, God cannot give Russell an evidentially justified belief in Himself by performing miracles.

Who are some people who think that miracles are improbable?

Moreland and William Lane Craig agree with Earman’s basic assessment and have critiqued Hume’s argument against being able to identify miracles by stating that Hume’s theory “fails to take into account all the probabilities involved” and “he incorrectly assumes that miracles are intrinsically highly improbable”

Why did Ronald Nash believe that David Hume believed in Miracles?

One important facet of Hume’s treatment of miracles concerns his metaphysical belief. Ronald Nash believes that Hume, much like Kant, was trying to make room for faith during an epoch of history that was rapidly losing belief in God. This led Nash to believe that Hume was at least a deist.