Dialogues Concerning Natural Religion

Dialogues Concerning Natural Religion is a philosophical work written by David Hume and published posthumously in 1779.

It presents a debate between three fictional characters — Demea, Philo and Cleanthes — who discuss the nature of God and the rational basis for religious belief.

Through their dialogue, Hume critically examines arguments for the existence of God, such as the design argument, and explores themes such as the limits of human reason, the problem of evil and anthropomorphism in concepts of deities.

The work is notable for its sceptical tone, particularly that of Philo, whom many interpret as representing Hume's own views.

"After I joined the company, whom I found sitting in Cleanthes's library, Demea paid Cleanthes some compliments on the great care which he took of my education, and on his unwearied perseverance and constancy in all his friendships. The father of Pamphilus, said he, was your intimate friend: The son is your pupil; and may indeed be regarded as your adopted son, were we to judge by the pains which you bestow in conveying to him every useful branch of literature and science. You are no more wanting, I am persuaded, in prudence, than in industry. I shall, therefore, communicate to you a maxim, which I have observed with regard to my own children, that I may learn how far it agrees with your practice."