Notes: Papers from the McGill Bicentennial Hume Conference, McGill University, 1976 Subjects: Hume, David, 1711–1776--Congresses.

I agree with most of Mr. Kemp's paper, “Generalization in the Philosophy of Art” but on his position at one point I should like briefly to comment.

Of all the major philosophical works, Kant's Critique of Pure Reason is one of the most rewarding, yet one of the most difficult. Norman Kemp Smith's Commentary elucidates not only textural questions and minor issues, but also the central problems which arise, he contends, from the conflicting tendencies of Kant's own thinking. Kemp Smith's Commentary continues to be in demand with Kant scholars, and it is being reissued here with a new introduction by Sebastian Gardner to (...) set it in its contemporary context. (shrink)

Norman Kemp Smith's The Philosophy of David Hume continues to be unsurpassed in its comprehensive coverage of the ideas and issues of Hume's Treatise. Now, after years of waiting, this currently out-of-print and highly sought-after classic is being re-issued. This ground-breaking book has long been regarded as a classic study by scholars in the field, yet a new introduction by Don Garrett places the book in its contemporary context, showing Humes's continuing importance in the field.

The problem of Descartes.--The method of Descartes.--The metaphysics of Descartes.--The Cartesian principles in Spinoza and Leibniz.--The Cartesian principles in Locke.--Hume's criticism of the Cartesian principles.--The transition to Kant.

It Seems Strange To Me, Said Cleanthes, That You, Demea, Who Are So Sincere In The Cause Of Religion, Should Still Maintain The Mysterious, Incomprehensible Nature Of The Deity, And Should Insist So Strenuously That He Has No Manner Of Likeness Or Resemblance To Human Creatures. The Deity, I Can Readily Allow, Possesses Many Powers And Attributes Of Which We Can Have No Comprehension.

Kant's Critique of Pure Reason is a philosophical classic that marks a turning-point in the history of philosophy. Kemp Smith's Commentary, written at the beginning of the 20th century, has become a classic in its own right. Both expository and critical, Kemp Smith seeks to subordinate the treatment of textual questions and of minor issues to the systematic discussion of the central problems posed by Kant's Critique. Kemp Smith's momentous work is therefore invaluable both (...) to students of the Critique itself and to those wanting to delve more deeply into systematic discussions of Kant's teachings. (shrink)