David Hume is generally credited with the classic statement of the "compatibilist" position in the free will dispute. In this study it is argued that Hume's views on this subject, although largely influential, have nevertheless been seriously misrepresented.

"There can be little doubt that the author is absolutely correct about the importance of seeing Hume's discussion...within the context of his naturalized and 'sentimentalized' theory of moral responsibility...An important and valuable work that should be welcomed by students of Hume and by anyone interested in issues of moral freedom and moral responsibility...The overall quality of both the exposition and the critical analysis is very high indeed."--Don Garrett, New York University "Russell's book, which is the first full analysis of Hume's theories on this key theme, does justice to their complexity and systematic character, and by relating them to more recent debates shows us, once again, why Hume remains such a continual source of philosophical stimulus. It [Russell's book] is excellent, creative scholarship."--Terry Penelhum, Canadian Journal of Philosophy "This book is a meticulous, wide-ranging reexamination of Hume's views on liberty, necessity and moral responsibility....Russell's account imbues Hume's texts with fresh significance and interest."--Ira Singer, Ethics "...Russell's book makes an important contribution to the literature on Hume's moral philosophy."--Donald Ainslie, Philosophical Review "...this noteworthy and provocative book...the interpretative and philosophical gains made by Russell's readings are considerable."--Kathleen Schmidt, Hume Studies "There can be little doubt that the author is absolutely correct about the importance of seeing Hume's discussion...within the context of his naturalized and 'sentimentalized' theory of moral responsibility...An important and valuable work that should be welcomed by students of Hume and by anyone interested in issues of moral freedom and moral responsibility...The overall quality of both the exposition and the critical analysis is very high indeed."--Don Garrett, New York University "Russell's book, which is the first full analysis of Hume's theories on this key theme, does justice to their complexity and systematic character, and by relating them to more recent debates shows us, once again, why Hume remains such a continual source of philosophical stimulus. It [Russell's book] is excellent, creative scholarship."--Terry Penelhum, Canadian Journal of Philosophy "Russell's book makes an important contribution to the literature on Hume's moral philosophy, especially in showing a breadth to his view that is sometimes obscured by too heavy a focus on his subjectivism. And Russell's discussion of Hume's relevance for contemporary debates over naturalism in ethics will be of interest to a wider philosophical audience."--The Philosophical Review "...Russell's account imbues Hume's texts with fresh significance and interest....Russell gives us much to grapple with and learn from."--Ethics