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

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.