The Virtue Ethics of Hume and Nietzsche (New Directions in Ethics)

This ground-breaking and lucid contribution to the vibrant field of virtue ethics focuses on the influential work of Hume and Nietzsche, providing fresh perspectives on their philosophies and a compelling account of their impact on the development of virtue ethics. \* A ground-breaking text that moves the field of virtue ethics beyond ancient moral theorists and examines the highly influential ethical work of Hume and Nietzsche from a virtue ethics perspective \* Contributes both to virtue ethics and a refreshed understanding of Hume s and Nietzsche s ethics \* Skilfully bridges the gap between continental and analytical philosophy \* Lucidly written and clearly organized, allowing students to focus on either Hume or Nietzsche \* Written by one of the most important figures contributing to virtue ethics today Although contemporary development of virtue ethics has focused on Aristotle, other great thinkers in ethics - notably Hume and Nietzsche - also placed virtue at the center of their ethical theorizing. Moving away from ancient moral theorists, and subjectivist interpretations of Hume's and Nietzsche's thought that have reduced their impact in normative ethics, Swanton provides a fresh perspective on the ethics of both philosophers. Discussion of the moral philosophies of Hume and Nietzsche in turn leads Swanton to seek alternative versions of virtue ethics, particularly areas that have been neglected in the mainstream Aristotelian tradition. Swanton's aim is not to argue for a virtue ethics inspired by either Nietzsche or Hume, as opposed to one inspired by Aristotle. Rather, she explores other options for virtue ethics by interpreting Hume and Nietzsche as virtue ethicists and by suggesting possibilities for virtue ethics inspired by those thinkers.--Book Jacket Christine Swanton. Includes Bibliographical References And Index.