Abstract:
The paper presents an interpretation that systematizes Hume’s understanding of the principles of the science of politics. On the one hand, it is argued that the science of politics is a science about political forms of organization (for instance, monarchy, aristocracy, and democracy) founded upon axioms whose truth is eternal and unchangeable and independent of contextual factors - such as, for instance, culture, morals and education. On the other hand, the science of politics is also a science about the actions of human beings in society (for instance, the actions of a body of individuals that resists the tyranny of a governor) founded upon general maxims or principles whose truth is contingent and changeable and dependent of contextual factors.
Keywords:
History of Philosophy; Politics; Science; Principles; David Hume