Outra Margem: revista de filosofia

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Vol. 2 No. 2 (2015): 1º Semestre de 2015

Hume and Nietzsche on Moral Naturalism

Submitted
April 7, 2026
Published
2019-06-03

Abstract

This text aims to relate Hume and Nietzsche from what scholars
minimally admit find points of convergence between these philosophers, namely the
naturalistic approach. To delimit our discussion, we will focus on the theme of morality.
So, we will expose and will comment briefly the ideas defended by some experts: Brian
Leiter, who brings a methodological approach; Peter Kail, who notes a bruising
substantive content included in this methodological id, and Craig Beam, who enters into
the theme of morality and points to similarities also between some of the critical and
positive content of these philosophers. We do not theorize any alleged influence of
Hume on Nietzsche, nor intend to defend a proposal against the other. However, we
believe that a review of the comparison between the two projects contributes to the
broadening and deepening our understanding of them, especially as we stand out
elements that have been ignored even being relevant. In this way, our conclusion points
to a common concern between Hume and Nietzsche with the practical effects of their
respective theories of morality. Despite they distinguish themselves by their specific

targets and strategies, they always appeal to emotions, or calmer or more impulsive, as motivation of human action, keeping their theories confined within the limits of nature.

References

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