Projection and necessity in Hume

Abstract

This paper examines in general the metaphor of ‘projecting’ or ‘spreading’ the mind, and whether ‘projection’ is compatible with a ‘skeptical realist’ reading of Hume on causal necessity. The conclusion is that Hume’s projective account of necessary connection is compatible. It is further argued that traditional readings which seek to show that Hume rejected necessity on the grounds of semantic considerations are incorrect. Nevertheless, whether Hume believed that there was an ontology answering to necessity contents is a separate issue, and this paper favors an agnostic reading of Hume.