Moral Science; a Compendium of Ethics

by Alexander Bain

"Moral Science: A Compendium of Ethics" by Alexander Bain is a philosophical treatise written during the late 19th century. The book delves into the foundations and principles of ethical theory, examining various ethical standards and systems from antiquity to modern thought. Bain's work articulates the connections between ethics and psychology, highlighting the moral faculty, the nature of right and wrong, and the ultimate goals of ethical conduct. The opening of the book introduces Bain's framework, which is divided into two main sections: the theory of ethics and the ethical systems. In the first part, he outlines fundamental questions regarding the ethical standard, focusing on the moral faculty and the concept of happiness as the supreme good. He raises discussions around the nature of moral obligations, the interplay between law and morality, and the relationship between ethics and psychology. Bain emphasizes that ethical standards are essential for societal welfare, positing that the justice and harmony of human interactions ultimately depend on understanding and applying ethical principles in a way that benefits the collective good.