The Philosophy of Morals; An Investigation, by a New and Extended Analysis, of the Faculties and the Standards Employed in the Determination of Right (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1841 edition. Excerpt: ...a rational being finds to be involved in some of the conceptions of his understanding. On considering the nature of the truths thus perceived, however, the perception of them must appear to be necessarily attended, as regards the mind of the percipient being, with the following consequences. First, If he perceives that a thing is Jit to be done, he must feel some wish or desire that it should be done--must have some pleasure or satisfaction in its being done, rather than the contrary. Secondly, If he feels a wish that something should be done, he must feel some wish or desire to do it. Thirdly, If he perceives that it is obligatory upon him to do something, he must feel some wish to fulfil the obligation; and this, as an obligation, and independently cf the fitness of the effect taken by itself. Fourthly, He must feel some complacency or affection towards any being who desires or wills to do what is fit or obligatory; and a certain satisfaction with himself, when conscious of such desire or will--and vice versa in each case. Now this disposition of a rational mind to feel satisfaction or pleasure at the production of fit effects; this desire to be instrumental in producing them, and to fulfil the obligation perceived to result from their being fit; this complacency in the display of similar dispositions in the minds of other beings, and affection towards such beings, this--for it is all one principle--is moral virtue. In whatever degree an agent is under the influence of such principle, as a general character of his mind, he is a virtuous agent; and in every particular instance in which he actually experiences the satisfaction which a view of the production of fit effects is calculated to afford him, or in which he conceives admiration or...