Abstract

In this paper I present some reasons in favour of an interpretation of Hume's moral philosophy as a brand new form of «virtue ethics». By discussing some specific issues within the secondary literature in favour and against this kind of reading, I argue that Hume offers better philosophical tools to redefine the basic notion of virtue ethics than the neo-Aristotelian alternative. In particular, I maintain that the strength of Hume's proposal lays in its pointing toward the unity of character instead of the unity of the virtues. This allows Hume to develop a nonfinalistic, secular and pluralistic morality in which the individuality of people is seen as a central value to be promoted.