Both David Hume and Mary Wollstonecraft refer to experience and observance as a way in which knowledge is gained. Hume (1748) basis An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding on this principle, while Wollstonecraft only touches on the matter. In a conversation between the two, they discuss the subject.
“So Mary,” Hume says, “You are in agreement with me that human understanding is based on experience?”
“In some instances, I suppose I am,” Mary responds. “Why would you ask that particular question of me, David?”
“I was just thinking about a passage from your work.”
“What passage is that?”
“In Chapter Eight, paragraph nine, you state that ‘unless virtue, of any kind, is built on knowledge, it will only produce a kind of insipid decency,’ (1792)” Hume replied. “Following the logic in this statement, I would come to the conclusion that the knowledge you speak of comes from experience.”
“I would suppose that most knowledge comes from experience, if one looks at it that way.”
“However,” Mary sighs before continuing, “the way in which knowledge is gained was not the main focus of my writings. You have completely missed the points which I made in my work.”
Under her breath, Mary grumbles, “men…”
References Cited:
Hume, D. (1748). An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding. Retrieved October 3, 2007, from http://ecampus.uwyo.edu/ec/crs/default.learn?CourseID=2609764&CPURL=ecampus.uwyo.edu&Survey=1&47=2371277&ClientNodeID=8216&coursenav=0&bhcp=1.
Wollstonecraft, M. (1792). A Vindication of the Rights of Women. Retrieved October 16, 2007, from http://ecampus.uwyo.edu/ec/crs/default.learn?CourseID=2609764&CPURL=ecampus.uwyo.edu&Survey=1&47=2371277&ClientNodeID=8216&coursenav=0&bhcp=1.
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