What kind of virtue theorist is Hume?

Christine Swanton

pp. 226-248

in: Charles R. Pigden (ed), Hume on motivation and virtue, Basingstoke, Palgrave Macmillan, 2009

Abstract

The aim of this essay is to elaborate and defend a claim that the status of a trait as a virtue for Hume is grounded in a plurality of features. Not only are virtues approved as such because of their utility but also because of their immediate impact on our sentiment or taste. This latter general ground of virtue status spawns an interesting plurality of features which make a trait a virtue. To take this latter ground of virtue status seriously, we need to show how traits having this effect can properly be seen as admirable or good. That is the main task of this essay.

Cited authors

Hume David