Bringing together philosophers and political theorists, this is the first volume dedicated to exploring how F. A. Hayek read and used David Hume's philosophy. As one of the foremost social scientists of the 20th century, Hayek considered Hume's 18th century-philosophy an inspiration. In particular he considered Hume the true forerunner of his own particular blend of liberalism: one that stressed the cognitive limitations of individuals, particularly rulers, to pave the way for limited government. But can we trust Hayek's reading of Hume's works? How careful a reader of Hume was he? To which Humean works did he pay the most attention?

The eleven essays in this collection answer these questions and more. With contributions from leading scholars including Tito Magri, Angela Coventry, and Peter Boettke and an introduction by editors Alberto Mingardi and Emilio Mazza teeming with valuable insights from Hayek's library in Salzburg, chapters examine numerous key aspects of the Hume-Hayek connection. These range from Hayek and Hume's related stances on scepticism, property contracts, and the role of self-esteem in shaping civil society to how Hayek read Hume, his note-taking, and whether he interpreted Hume neutrally or for his own purposes.

Inviting reflection on subjects of enduring importance such as the scope and aim of government and the role of state planning in economic matters, this is a fascinating investigation into the development of political philosophy and theory from the 18th to the 20th century. It is an essential resource for not only scholars of Hume and Hayek, but for all those interested in the history of ideas.