Abstract
The first book of Hume's Treatise of Human Nature is one of the most important texts in Western philosophy, for it presents an original attempt to ground a science of human nature in relation to human knowledge by attacking traditional views of the nature, scope and function of human reason. These aspects are newly assesed by Hume on the background of his conception of belief, disposition, habit and imagination.
Hume's critique targets the relation of cause to effect, our concepts of external and continuious sensory objects, our belief in the identity and duration of personal self and many other crutial philosophical notions. The function of our probable knowledge finds a new treatment as well and, as a consequence, its importance is shown in fresh light.
At the end of the book Hume stresses his sceptical views and the healing power of human nature vis-a-vis the melancholy resulting from philosophical enquiries. The first Czech translation of this book is accompanied by translator's preface, index and commenting endnotes, and by a new translation of Hume's Abstract published by Hume shortly after his Treatise with intention of making the first book more understandable to readers.