Discussion reveals anxiety connects emotions and superstition in Hume's philosophical framework, suggesting deeper implications for understanding doubt.
This paper explores the role anxiety plays in Hume's philosophy. It begins by discussing anxiety as an emotion and connecting it to its object, namely problematic uncertainty. I then explore Hume's own view of anxiety, beginning with a discussion of T 2.39, "Of the direct passions," where he draws the connection between anxiety, a species of fear, and uncertainty. I then connect this with his remarks on doubt, before turning to Hume's treatment of the false religions of superstition and enthusiasm, and their connection with anxiety as a mood rather than an emotion.
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P. J. E. Kail (2026) studied this question.
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