On the Ethics of Naturalism

by W. R. (William Ritchie) Sorley

"On the Ethics of Naturalism" by W. R. Sorley is a philosophical work written in the late 19th century. This text presents a series of lectures examining the foundations of ethics from a naturalistic perspective, emphasizing the interplay between theoretical philosophy and ethical inquiry. It seeks to explore fundamental questions about human conduct, ethics, and the nature of moral sentiments, primarily focusing on how these concepts are intertwined with human nature and experience. At the start of the work, the author introduces the relationship between ethics and theoretical philosophy, suggesting that ethical doctrines stem from metaphysical and psychological foundations. Sorley outlines various viewpoints that shape ethical understanding, such as teleological and empirical approaches. He emphasizes the need to rigorously question the ethical ends that humans strive for, positing that these ends must not merely be transient feelings but should reflect deeper moral truths established through rational inquiry. The introductory chapter sets the stage for a detailed exploration of individualistic theories, psychological hedonism, and the potential transitions toward utilitarianism, indicating a comprehensive examination of ethical principles grounded in human nature and its interaction with surrounding environments.