BBC Radio 4

The most important philosopher ever to write in English, David Hume (1711-1776) forms a cornerstone of our contemporary thought. Allan Little examines Hume's life and writing and asks to what degree Hume's enlightened world view is now discredited and under threat.

With A Treatise of Human Nature (1739-1740), Enquiries Concerning Human Understanding (1748) and Concerning the Principles of Morals (1751), as well as the posthumously published Dialogues concerning Natural Religion (1779), Hume effectively changed the way future generations thought about religion, about the self and about science and scientific method.

Hume's thinking marked an epochal shift from medieval philosophy, based on religion, to a modern approach of scepticism and reasoning - ideas we see all around us today. Science, morals, justice, emotions, even economics. Hume looked towards nothing less than a fully enlightened society, based on a new understanding of how these ideas related to human nature and experience. With leading contemporary philosophers (including A C Grayling, Miranda Fricker, Richard Dawkins), Michael explores and questions Hume's enduring relevance.

Recorded on location in Edinburgh, this programme marks Hume's 300th anniversary and gives audiences an opportunity to enjoy highlights from the work of one of the country's most brilliant and influential thinkers.