Humeʼs Theory of Relation Reconsidered: Is an Impression of a Relation Possible?

Abstract

Hume sometimes refers to an idea of a relation, and according to Humeʼs Copy Principle, this means that there must be a correspondent impression of the relation. However, such an impression, if any, would also raise certain interpretative problems with regard to the consistency of Humeʼs philosophy. In this paper, I try, first, to suppose and characterize the impression of a relation and to complement Humeʼs theory of relation with reference to “intuition,” “necessary connection,” and “calm passion.” Then I attempt to appraise the consistency between Humeʼs theory of relation and his Copy Principle, from the viewpoint of his philosophical purpose.