What question did this study set out to answer?

This analysis explores whether Hume's theory allows for the existence of masochistic desires.

May 7, 2026

Hume and the Possibility of Masochism

Key Points

This analysis explores whether Hume's theory allows for the existence of masochistic desires.
Examined Hume's discussions on desire, pleasure, and aversion.
Connected theories of motivation to the debate on the nature of perceptions in Hume's philosophy.
Argued that perceptions can be viewed as both mental objects and episodes.
Identified that non-representational feelings can be introspective objects.
Demonstrated that Humean masochism is possible by recognizing pain as an object of desire.
Showed how pleasure can arise from the experience of non-representational pain.

Abstract

Abstract: For Hume, desire and pleasure (and aversion and pain) are closely linked. It might seem then that seeking out pain (non-instrumentally) is not possible for the Humean agent, and thus several prominent interpretations of his theory of motivation rule out masochistic desires. But by connecting these discussions of motivation with the debate over the status of perceptions in Hume's philosophy—are they mental objects or mental episodes of some kind?—I show that Humean masochism is possible. The key is recognizing that perceptions are best understood as perceivings, some of which "delineate out objects" and others of which are non-representational feelings—colourings of objects we are aware of through different perceptions. Masochism involves feeling non-representational pain but making it into the object of introspection, at which point it is possible to be pleased at and desire this mental state.

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