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The results of Hume 's investigation into the nature of the human mind lead him to consider the belief in miracles. More specifically, he is interested in whether or not such belief is justified. His conclusion is that there is not sufficient evidence to justify believing in them.
"Of Miracles" is the tenth section of David Hume's An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding (1748). In this piece, Hume states that evidence of miracles is never sufficient for rational belief.
Chapter 10 Summary: “Of Miracles”. Hume addresses the possibility of miracles along with evidence for Christianity, which he calls “less than the evidence for the truth of our senses” (79). Experience is not the only trustworthy guide in these matters and “is not altogether infallible” (79).
David Hume, An Inquiry Concerning Human Understanding (1748) 579 26. Sometimes an event may not, in itself, seem to be contrary to the laws of nature, and yet, if it were real, it might by reason of some circumstances be denominated a miracle, because, in fact, it is contrary to these laws. Thus, if a person claiming
Nothing is esteemed a miracle, if it ever happen in the common course of nature. It is no miracle that a man, seemingly in good health, should die on a sudden: because such a kind of death, though more unusual than any other, has yet been frequently observed to happen.
A miracle may be accurately defined a transgression of a law of nature by a particular volition of the Deity or by the interposition of some invisible agent .
