The question of the justifiability of moral norms is a central problem in legal philosophy and is closely linked to the relationship between morality and law. Utilitarian theories, which are now represented in an almost overwhelming variety, attempt to justify moral norms based on their utility. Interest-based approaches, which have gained significance in recent times, build on utilitarianism and often go well beyond it. Theories that justify moral norms based on compassion and related phenomena have also gained importance.

The aforementioned approaches have little in common, except that their proponents equally refer to the theories and arguments of the British Enlightenment philosopher David Hume to support their respective positions. Hume recognized the importance of utility and sentiment for morality and incorporated them into his theories.

Hume's significance for the current legal philosophical debate is not limited to the fact that he inspired utilitarians and compassion ethicists. The connection between utility and sentiment found by Hume can be utilized in today's legal philosophical controversy regarding the justifiability of moral norms. Especially in light of the ongoing decline in the significance of religious authorities, it is worth asking whether norms with a religious significance can also stand on other grounds.