Socrates Meets Hume: The Father of Philosophy Meets the Father of Modern Skepticism

Socrates Meets

by Peter Kreeft

This book is the sixth book in a series of Socratic explorations of some of the Great Books. The books in this series are intended to be short, clear, and non-technical, thus fully understandable by beginners. Through such Socratic dialogues, Peter Kreeft introduces (or reviews) the basic questions in the fundamental divisions of metaphysics, epistemology, anthropology, ethics, logic, and method. In Socrates Meets Hume , Kreeft presents a Socratic inquiry concerning human understanding in relation to the skepticism of Hume by posing questions that challenge the concepts proposed by Hume. Kreeft states that Hume is the "most formidable, serious, difficult-to-refute skeptic in the history of human thought." Kreeft invites you to take part in the process of refuting Hume's skeptical arguments, with the aid of Socrates. Based on an imaginary dialogue between Socrates and Hume that takes place in the afterlife, this profound and witty book makes an entertaining and informative exploration of modern philosophy.

Genres: Philosophy

227 pages, Paperback

First published August 11, 2010

About the author

Peter Kreeft is an American philosopher and prolific author of over eighty books on Christian theology, philosophy, and apologetics. A convert from Protestantism to Catholicism, his journey was shaped by his study of Church history, Gothic architecture, and Thomistic thought. He earned his BA from Calvin College, an MA and PhD from Fordham University, and pursued further studies at Yale. Since 1965, he has taught philosophy at Boston College and also at The King’s College. Kreeft is known for formulating “Twenty Arguments for the Existence of God” with Ronald K. Tacelli, featured in their Handbook of Christian Apologetics. A strong advocate for unity among Christians, he emphasizes shared belief in Christ over denominational differences.

Reviews

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whoa, very heady stuff. But great stimulation especially when engaging with skeptics ... compassionately written.

[Joseph Cardillo · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good introduction to the most influential philosophies of David Hume. But toward the end my head was spinning. It's heavy on logic, and splicing of terminology, and this book would be perfect for a college course on Hume's "Inquiry" (which is what the book was intended for).

That said, Peter Kreeft does have a way of simplifying the most confusing and difficult of concepts. This book is important, regardless of it being difficult, and helped me understand why Hume's philosophy has been so influential, particularly into our own time.

An important read for anyone wrestling with the appeals of Humeanism. (And, yes, the book is full of awful puns, which "Socrates" happily acknowledges, and which lightens the intensity of their dialogue.)

Four stars: Well written and humorous, but also dry at times because of the content. Kreeft did the best he could with what he had! A daring feat. Perhaps, also because I've read some of his other books, Prayer For Beginners, Heaven: The Heart's Deepest Longing, C.S. Lewis for the Third Millennium, Making Choices, Jesus Shock, How to Win the Culture War, which have been life-changing.

[Travis Lambert · Rating 5 out of 5]

A formidable critique and (I daresay) a conclusive refutation of the main points of Hume's philosophy, namely his strict empiricism, his skepticism, his denial of causation, and his argument against miracles. Because Hume's philosophy has done so much damage and has become so firmly entrenched in the minds of Western people, where it sits unchallenged on its throne of modern dogmatism, this book should be read even by those who have only a minimal interest in philosophy. Kreeft's winsome style, common sense approach, and nontechnical language make this book both easy and enjoyable to read.

[Trae Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book for a paper I wrote on Hume's essay against miracles. In his chapter on miracles, Kreeft brings up a good point about judging miracles not solely on the basis of sensory data and probability, but on the basis of things that only the mind can capture, such as the trustworthiness of a friend. Miracles, after-all, are performed by persons, performed for persons, reported by persons and believed by persons.

[Holly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Premise was perhaps more interesting than the read..a deeper delve into philosphy basics is helpful. But was interesting nonetheless..here Socrates meets Hume, the great philisophical skeptic, in an "unknown" place (presumably purgatory) and through discussion come not to refute Hume but to certainly open the door to possibilites of the merit of reason and dogma. Hume was a troubled skeptic and found his own arguments disconcerting.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book! One of a series by Kreeft in which he Socratic-ally walks through the issues raised by many well known philosophers.

[Michael J. Ard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent intro

Also have been skeptical of Hume's skepticism, and now I see it was justified. This is my third reading in this series. Descartes next! Enjoy this book.

[sch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mar 2026. Third in the series, and the one I've learned the most from, so far.

[Charles Fisher · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very in-depth critique of Humes' dogmatic skepticism and how it's self-contradicting, also his argument against miracles which falls off with circular reasoning and begging the question, and a very deep dive into his critique of causation which simply turns out to be self-refuting