Living Philosophy bringing classical philosophers alive through play readings and docudramas at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

Scotland’s famous philosopher “David Hume – Citizen of the World” brings to life the legacy of one of Scotland's greatest philosophers. One of a series of critically acclaimed works from the same writer, performed by a groundbreaking collective of actors from Edinburgh; this play takes the audience on a journey of discovery. Hume's philosophical works and correspondence are interwoven with the story of his early years and development as a radical thinker. Contributions from his friends, his family and his intellectual contemporaries create a rich, memorable and moving tapestry for a range of audiences - from those with an interest in the development of the Radical Enlightenment and the early history of modern Scotland to students of western philosophy.

First performed at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2005, the play on the life and works of philosopher David Hume was reprised again a year later due to the growing level of interest in this great thinker’s legacy. Documentaries and press articles in the Scottish media reflect a growing realisation that Hume’s vision, and the thinking that saw the creation of the Scottish Radical Enlightenment, continue to have resonance for society today.

The philosopher David Hume play is part of a body of work written by Dr Wally Shaw, an author whose material has been in publication for over thirty years. Sister pieces to “David Hume – Citizen of the World”, include, “Socrates – Last Days and Legacy" also performed at the 2006 Edinburgh Festival Fringe and "Jeremy Bentham – the Pursuit of Happiness", which premiered at the Fringe in 2007.

In this, latter work, we learn that Jeremy Bentham acknowledged Hume as providing the foundation for his utilitarian “Greatest Happiness Principle” just as Hume acknowledged the legacy of Socrates. Bentham, also known as the “Father of International Law” laid the legal foundation for the National Health Service, the abolition of corporal punishment, the state pension, and “the Pursuit of Happiness” found in numerous constitutions, the United Nations Security Council and the International Court at The Hague.

All three works are now available in printed format for individuals who wish to deepen their understanding of the contribution of these great thinkers or for groups who wish to perform the docu-dramas in their own communities.

Further information on Scotlands famous philosopher David Hume play “David Hume Citizen of the World” is available at http://www.livingphilosophy.org.uk/philosophy/David_Hume/index.htm#Famous_Philosopher_David_Hume.