Birth in Edinburgh
David Hume was born in Edinburgh and later became a leading philosopher and historian of the Scottish Enlightenment.
Historical biography archive · Updated 2026-11-03
David Hume Biography and Timeline
Follow David Hume through 43 dated historical records for Great Britain.
David Hume, historical timeline
A chronological timeline drawn from matching World History Database records.
43Distinct records
1 of 2Page
1711–1769Years on this page
1711
1723
University of Edinburgh Studies
Hume entered the University of Edinburgh at a young age, beginning the formal education that preceded his philosophical career.
1734
Journey to France
Hume traveled to France, where he pursued the philosophical studies that led to his first major work.
1735
Residence at La Fleche
Hume stayed at La Fleche and continued developing his new account of human nature and knowledge.
1739
Treatise First Books Published
Hume published the first two books of A Treatise of Human Nature, addressing the understanding and the passions.
1740
A Treatise of Human Nature
Publication of "Political Discourses". Publication of "A Treatise of Human Nature"
Political Discourses
Publication of "Political Discourses". Publication of "A Treatise of Human Nature"
Treatise Moral Philosophy Book
Hume published the third book of A Treatise of Human Nature, examining morals and the origins of moral judgments.
1741
Essays Moral and Political First Volume
Hume published the first volume of Essays Moral and Political, applying philosophical analysis to politics and society.
1742
Essays Moral and Political Second Volume
Hume published a second volume of Essays Moral and Political, extending his discussions of political and cultural life.
1745
Tutor to Marquess of Annandale
Hume took a tutoring position with the Marquess of Annandale, an episode in his early professional life.
1746
Expedition with General St Clair
Hume accompanied General James St Clair on a military expedition, gaining experience of public affairs beyond academic philosophy.
1748
Analysis of Causation
In his philosophical essays, Hume explained why customary expectation rather than perceived necessity underlies causal inference.
Examination of Miracles
Hume's essay Of Miracles examined testimonial evidence and the rational grounds for believing extraordinary claims.
Philosophical Essays on Human Understanding
Hume published Philosophical Essays Concerning Human Understanding, the work later known as the first Enquiry.
1751
Enquiry Concerning Principles of Morals
Hume published An Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals, developing his moral philosophy around human sentiment and utility.
Justice as Artificial Virtue
In the second Enquiry, Hume discussed justice as a social virtue sustained by conventions and public utility.
1752
Appointment as Advocates Librarian
Hume became librarian to the Faculty of Advocates in Edinburgh, gaining access to resources for historical research.
Of Commerce Essay
Hume's Political Discourses included Of Commerce, examining economic activity and the effects of trade.
Of Interest Essay
Hume's Political Discourses included Of Interest, challenging simple explanations of interest rates.
Of Money Essay
Hume's Political Discourses included Of Money, considering monetary changes and economic relationships.
Of the Balance of Trade
Hume published Of the Balance of Trade, criticizing mercantilist assumptions about national wealth.
1753
Essays and Treatises Collection
Hume issued Essays and Treatises on Several Subjects, collecting much of his philosophical and political writing.
1754
History of Great Britain Stuart Volume
Hume published his history of the early Stuarts, beginning the project that became The History of England.
1756
Dispute Over Library Acquisitions
Hume confronted controversy over books ordered for the Advocates Library, illustrating opposition to his intellectual independence.
1757
Four Dissertations Published
Hume published Four Dissertations, a collection of philosophical essays on religion, emotion and aesthetics.
History of Great Britain Second Volume
Hume published the second volume of his history of Great Britain, extending his narrative to the Revolution of 1688.
Natural History of Religion Published
Hume published The Natural History of Religion, investigating religious belief through human psychology and history.
Of Tragedy Essay
Hume published Of Tragedy, analyzing why audiences can take pleasure in emotionally distressing works of art.
Of the Standard of Taste
Hume published Of the Standard of Taste, discussing aesthetic judgment and the qualifications of critics.
1758
Concerning Human Understanding
Publication of "Concerning Human Understanding"
Essays and Treatises Revised
Hume substantially reorganized his collected essays and enquiries for a new edition of Essays and Treatises.
1759
History of House of Tudor
Hume published his history of England under the Tudor monarchs, expanding his historical project backward in time.
1761
Works Placed on Catholic Index
The Catholic Church placed Hume's writings on its Index of Prohibited Books, reflecting religious opposition to his philosophy.
1762
History of England Early Volumes
Hume published historical volumes covering early England through the accession of Henry VII, completing his extensive narrative.
1763
Service in Paris Embassy
Hume joined the British embassy in Paris and became part of the city's prominent intellectual circles.
1765
Secretary at British Embassy
Hume served as secretary to the British embassy in Paris, combining diplomatic duties with intellectual society.
1766
Return to Britain with Rousseau
Hume assisted Jean Jacques Rousseau in traveling to Britain, beginning a contentious personal association.
1767
Undersecretary of State Position
Hume served as undersecretary of state in London, gaining further experience in government.
1769
Return to Edinburgh
Hume settled again in Edinburgh and remained active in the intellectual culture of the Scottish Enlightenment.
Records, sources and methodology
These dates and descriptions come from the historical_events database. Exact duplicate records have been collapsed. Names are grouped by the country, Name 2 and Name 1 fields; records with missing Name 2 cannot be reliably assigned to an individual biography. Check the underlying sources before formal citation.