The Pursuit of Certainty: David Hume, Jeremy Bentham, John Stuart Mill, Beatrice Webb

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The book explores the evolution of political thought among four key philosophers—Hume, Bentham, Mill, and Webb—highlighting how their reflections shaped the understanding of politics in the English-speaking world. Letwin argues that the central political debate since the eighteenth century revolves around the role of government in addressing societal issues, rather than being a direct response to the Industrial Revolution or social changes. Hume's caution against government striving for perfection exemplifies the nuanced perspectives that inform contemporary political discourse.