What Hume might have said to Kant

pp. 164-170

in: Herbert Feigl, Inquiries and provocations, Berlin, Springer, 1981

Abstract

The aim of this brief essay is to present some conjectures as to how Hume might have criticized certain central epistemological doctrines of Kant.¹ By a natural extension of this theme I shall also raise a few questions concerning Karl Popper's views on induction and his critique of the empiricist meaning criterion. I do this in the spirit of my very great admiration for Popper's work and his friendship, which I cherish sincerely. If I have misunderstood his basic outlook, I hope that he will set me right in future discussions.