Relations between David Hume and Utilitarianism

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to discuss the relationship between Humean theory and Utilitarianism. In this context, after an examination of the disagreement that exists between commentators of Hume with respect to his place vis à vis Utilitarianism, the conclusion is reached that, although Humean theory is indeed predominantly descriptive, it is not entirely devoid of prescriptive intentions. There is still a need to discuss what these intentions consist in, that is to say, what the theory prescribes.