Frequently Asked Questions
Who is David Hume?
David Hume (1711-1776) was a Scottish philosopher and historian. He was a key figure in the Scottish Enlightenment. He is best remembered today for his ideas around human nature, empiricism and skepticism. In recent years, his views on race have brought into question how, and even if, he should be studied and remembered today.
Why is the Institute named after David Hume?
When the David Hume Institute was founded as an independent Scottish think tank in 1985, our founders wanted to ground the new organisation’s work in the tradition of skeptical enquiry promoted by Hume. In a broader sense, Hume’s reputation for respectful debate with his contemporaries aligned with the Institute’s own mission to promote deeper thinking and learning through conversation.
Does the David Hume Institute study Hume’s work?
The name reflects the founders’ inspiration of Hume’s philosophical approach to think about big societal questions through open debate and a critical examination of empirical evidence. We apply these principles throughout our work. The Institute has not studied any of his work until undertaking this project.
Why are you thinking about David Hume now?
In recent years, the racist views expressed by Hume in a footnote have come to light as society has looked more closely at the legacy of slavery and colonialism across the world. Following a student-led campaign, the University of Edinburgh renamed the David Hume Tower, and there have also been public calls for changes to the modern day statue of Hume on the Royal Mile, which was erected in 1997.
What does the footnote say?
David Hume published a footnote in a revised edition of his work Of National Characters in 1753, and later revised again posthumously in 1777.
In the original and more widely known footnote, Hume expressed the view that people who are not white are inferior to those who are, and no arts, sciences or other aspects of civilisation exist beyond Europe.
In the revised version, he focuses solely on black people. In both versions, he makes mention of a Jamaican scholar who he claims was merely mimicking white intellectuals. This individual has been identified as Francis Williams, a polymath who was notable for his work accurately calculating the return of Halley’s comet.
Beyond the footnote, there is no known mention of this view in the rest of his published work. Like almost everyone moving in intellectual and aristocratic circles in eighteenth century Scotland, David Hume knew and was supported by plantation owners and others involved in slavery.
Did David Hume know any black people?
At the time Hume was writing the footnote he lived alongside black people on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile. Many of these individuals had been brought as enslaved people from the Caribbean. It was not until after his death in 1778 that it was established that slavery did not exist in Scotland through the case of Joseph Knight but this long running case was the talk of the town for many years before it was finally concluded. Although even before Hume was born, a previous case from 1687, known as the Tumbling Lassie, the Court of Session dismissed a case with the ruling including the line “We have no slaves in Scotland.”
In 1770 famous, black philosopher and composer, Ignatius Sancho, visited Scotland and dined at 8 Queen Street in Edinburgh, with the family of a close friend of Hume - just around the corner from where Hume was living at the time.
What did contemporaries of David Hume think about his views on race?
While Hume was far more controversial in his own time for his views on religion and superstition, his views on race were criticised at the time by peers including in the writings of Reverend James Beattie. Beattie dismissed Hume’s work as ignoring well known scientific and artistic achievement in places including Central America and China.
What is the purpose of your project?
Led by curiosity, we aimed to better understand what might have influenced David Hume to write the infamous footnote and create opportunities for meaningful conversation about the legacy of David Hume and his impact on our lives today.
By asking questions, supported by evidence, and critical but inclusive conversations, we hope to promote curiosity to challenge assumptions and learn from others, rather than prescribing answers.
Overall, less than half of Scots have heard of David Hume or the Scottish Enlightenment. However, with more than 4 in 5 people wanting to learn more about history and how it influences our lives today, we aim to use Hume as a starting point for wider conversations, learning and reflection.
How is the project funded?
This project has been funded for 12 months by The National Lottery Heritage Fund. We want to extend our full thanks to National Lottery players for supporting this work.
What safeguarding do you have in place?
Due to the sensitive nature of this work, robust safeguarding measures have been in place throughout to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all involved.
A specialist counsellor has been on hand at all our public events to support participants or audience members if needed.
Who has been involved?
The David Hume Institute has worked with a wide variety of partners including academics, community organisations, charities and national institutions. This has included:
Professor Sir Geoffrey Palmer
We are extremely grateful to Geoff for his advice and guidance throughout this project, including through his cancer treatment. In the early days of speaking to people about the footnote and how to construct this project, it was Geoff who provided a lightbulb moment when he said “Turn Hume’s theories on himself by thinking about causation - what caused Hume to write the footnote and what did the footnote cause”. This curiosity has driven our approach throughout the project.
Hip Hop Education at the Royal High School
Khaleda Noon, along with Hip Hop Director and trained youth worker Ace Bamusi, worked with a group of young people from the Royal High School, Edinburgh. Through weekly workshops, young people were supported to share their experience of racism and supported to express feelings about power, history and David Hume through Hip Hop and other mediums.
Forum Theatre with Theatre of the Oppressed Scotland
A public debut of a Forum Theatre performance entitled “The Footnote - why would you say that?” by Theatre of the Oppressed Scotland was held on the evening of the 13th of May at the Scottish Storytelling Centre. As a forum theatre production the audience are invited to contribute to change the outcome.
Walking Tours and Discussion with Lisa Williams
Historian and founder of the Edinburgh Caribbean Association, Lisa Williams led walking tours of the Royal Mile using the physical environment to prompt discussion.
Tours have taken mixed groups of people “In the footsteps of Hume” around locations on and around the Royal Mile associated with Hume and Edinburgh’s black history. The groups have reflected on Hume’s life and heard stories which have traditionally been left untold about Scotland’s Enlightenment history. Following each tour, participants gathered at the historic venue, Riddles Court, to discuss their reflections - similar to the coffee house conversations from the Enlightenment. Riddles Court is the location where David Hume lived when he wrote the footnote. Catering was provided by a local Caribbean cafe, Guajira on St Mary’s Street.
David Hume Manuscript viewing with the National Library of Scotland
The National Library of Scotland supported the project by inviting people to directly engage with manuscripts written by David Hume. This has included printed editions of the footnote, in both of its forms, as well as letters to other Enlightenment figures such as Adam Smith.
Outreach to wider society
Several individuals, academics, organisations and groups offered support, research and advice on the project. We also conducted a Scotland-wide public attitudes survey and held a “Story So Far event” at the Institut Franćais, where the historic location was chosen to reflect Hume’s connection to France as well as the close proximity to his modern statue.
Where can I learn more?
To learn more about what we have been doing, please visit our website to read about the different elements of the project and watch recordings of the events.
Thought this project we have learnt something new at every turn and we are keen to continue this conversation further so even more people get a chance to think about how our shared past affects our present and future society.
