Hume's historical liberalism

I classify David Hume as a liberal political philosopher. My interpretation of Hume rests on his analysis of religion and politics. The problem of modern politics is the tendency of "religious parties" to claim absolute rule on the basis of piety. In English history the parties of King and people seek concentrated power in pursuit of religious aims. Hume's solution is to limit the ends of politics to the production of liberty and peace. He is therefore a liberal thinker. As part of the solution, he teaches a literate segment of the general public to regard partisan ambitions with skepticism. His endeavor to enlighten this group makes a distinct contribution to the liberal tradition. Competing interpretations stress conservative and moralistic strains in Hume's thought, whereas I interpret those strains as supports of liberalism. Within the limitations of a politics of liberty Hume effects a reconstruction of religion and morality. He accepted the individualistic politics of the Enlightenment as it was handed to him. He intended not to alter but to strengthen the Enlightenment for contemporary and future times. The dissertation is based on his classic work, The History of England .