How does Hume's skepticism challenge conventional beliefs about existence?

Hume's skepticism significantly challenges conventional beliefs about existence by proposing that our understanding of the world is fundamentally tied to our perceptions. He argues that what we perceive shapes our reality and that we cannot know anything beyond our immediate experiences. This perspective leads to the conclusion that existence is not an absolute state but rather contingent upon how it is perceived by individuals.

Hume's stance invites critical reflection on the nature of knowledge, as it implies that beliefs about the external world must be provisional, grounded in observation and experience rather than in any preconceived notions of an objective reality. Thus, according to Hume, our understanding of existence is inherently subjective, aligning with the notion that our senses and perceptions play a crucial role in shaping our beliefs about what exists. This viewpoint stands in stark contrast to the idea that existence can be defined or understood independently of individual experience.