The Principles of Moral Philosophy Investigated, and Briefly Applied, to the Constitution of Civil Society; With Remarks on the Principle Assumed by Mr. Paley as the Basis of All Moral Conclusions (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos or missing text. Not indexed. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1795. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... CHAP. IV. ARGUMENTS FURNISHED BY MR. PALEY's PRINCIPLE AGAINST ITSELF. I Propose to consider in this chapter the nature and tendency of the rule of expediency; and to investigate the effects which the general reception of it would apparently produce on the conduct and happiness of mankind. After a perusal of the sentiments which I have expressed concerning the principle of general expediency, my readers will be aware that reasoning os the same kind with that to which I am now about to resort, would not have much weight with myself if it were urged hi support of a rule of morality. For they must necessarily perceive, on the one hand, that to examine what effects the admission of Mr. Paley's principle would produce on human happiness, is, in fact, to examine how far the admission of it would be generally expedient for mankind; and, on the other, are apprised by what has been already said, that a proof that its reception would probably be beneficial, would not of itself be sufficient to impress me with a conviction of its being the criterion of morality. Yet, on the present occasion, arguments of this nature are not only allowable, but important; for though the result of the inquiry, were it to evince the probable utility of Mr. Paley'srule, would be insufficient to prove it true, yet a proof that its reception would be pernicious, would incontestably prove it false; since no principle can be true which is at irreconcileable variance with itself. Is I shall afford ample grounds for apprehending Mr. Paley's rule to be a felo de fe, to destroy itself by the inferences which may fairly be deduced from it, 1 shall have adduced an argument against it which may to some minds be the most conclusive of any which can be alleged; and to all, the best preparation for an...