• Preface; Section 01 1 Introduction: Hume’s life and work; Section 01-01-01 Hume’s life and times; Section 01-01-02 The structure of Book 1 of the Treatise and its place in Hume’s work; Section 01-01-03 The place of the Treatise in the history of philosophy: precursors, influences and effects; Section 01-01-04 Aims and methods; Section 02 2 Hume’s theory of the mind; Section 02-01-01 The contents of the mind; Section 02-01-02 Impressions and ideas; Section 02-01-03 The Copy Principle and the missing shade of blue; Section 02-01-04 The Copy Principle and empiricism; Section 02-01-05 The association of ideas; Section 02-01-06 Abstract ideas; Section 02-01-07 Hume’s theory of thought; Section 03 3 Causation, induction and necessary connection; Section 03-01-01 The grounds of belief and the role of causation; Section 03-01-02 The idea of cause; Section 03-01-03 The Causal Maxim; Section 03-01-04 Inference from the observed to the unobserved; Section 03-01-05 The nature and causes of belief; Section 03-01-06 The idea of necessary connection; Section 04 4 The external world; Section 04-01-01 The continued and distinct existence of body; Section 04-01-02 The vulgar and philosophical forms of the belief in body; Section 04-01-03 The causes of the vulgar form of the belief in body: constancy and coherence; Section 04-01-04 The role of identity; Section 04-01-05 The philosophical belief in double existence; Section 05 5 The self and personal identity; Section 05-01-01 The fiction of personal identity; Section 05-01-02 The reification of perceptions; Section 05-01-03 The rejection of the substantial self; Section 05-01-04 Hume’s account of the source of the mistake; Section 05-01-05 Objections to Hume; Bibliography; Index;

'A clear, comprehensive, and accurate account of Hume's epistemological positions' - International Philosophical QuarterlyThe writing is exceptionally clear throughout, and I doubt very much that the average undergraduate will struggle to understand Noonan's exposition. This is of course precisely what one wants from an introduction such as this Noonan's discussion is judicious, pleasingly non-traditional and well illustrated, and I strongly encourage teachers to set it as essential reading. - MindDavid Hume would approve of this book As a guide to Hume on knowledge it will be invaluable to undergraduates, useful to graduate studies, and of serious interest to the professional philosopher. - Philosophical BooksStrikes just the right balance of solid authoritative introduction and fine philosophical discernment. Highly recommended for both beginners and specialists in the field. - The Philosopher's MagazineNoonan's writing is admirably crisp and pellucid. TLS