It is argued that Hume's early philosophy can be seen as both an essay in the theory of meaning as well as an inquiry into the nature of truth and evidence. Pears examines the application of Hume's theories to the questions of causation, identity and perception.

Part 1 Hume's theory of mind; a general account of Hume's theory of mind; the derivation of ideas from impressions; memory; belief and existence. Part 2 The application of the theory of mind to three problems - causation, personal identity, and perception; causation - the evidence and its first effect on us; causation - the gap between evidence and belief; causation - the second effect of the evidence; personal identity - the problem and Hume's rejection of current solutions; personal identity - Hume's solution and his later recantation; sense-perception - Hume's assessment of the problem and his strategy for eliminating current solutions; sense-perception - Hume's heroic solution.

`Professor Pears, as was to be expected, has presented the philosophical world with most acute analyses of the problems of causation, personal identity and perception in Hume's Treatise.' Dr Paul Tomassi, University of Edinburgh 'Hume's System is a thorough and carefully argued encounter with Hume's Treatise.' Christian K. Campolo, Hume Studies, Volume XIX, Number 1 'excellent study ... Pears excels at putting back those considerations that Hume inconsistently neglects, and having put them back he is able to explain Hume's vacillations as the result of his failure to face up to those alternatives. Pear's book is an excellent contribution to our understanding of the problems that Hume addresses in the Treatise ... his prose style is a delight to read, possessing a polished elegance that is all too rare in academic work. The book is also free of misprints and contains a comprehensive and highly useful set of internal references in the footnotes.' Adrian Heathcote, University of Sydney, Australian Journal of Philosophy, Vol. 71, No. 2, June 1993