Theoretical Ethics

by M. (Milton) Valentine

"Theoretical Ethics" by Milton Valentine is a philosophical discourse on moral philosophy written in the late 19th century. This work aims to provide a comprehensive overview of ethical theories, particularly in light of modern scientific and philosophical developments. The text explores foundational concepts in ethics, including moral distinctions, the nature and authority of conscience, and the connections between ethics, psychology, and theology. The opening of the work sets the stage for an in-depth examination of moral distinctions as fundamental to ethical understanding. Valentine articulates ethics as the science of right and duty, investigating how moral judgments arise in individual consciousness and how they are expressed socially and historically. The initial chapters lay the groundwork for distinguishing between theoretical and practical ethics, emphasizing the psychological and metaphysical elements involved in discerning moral truths. Through this exploration, Valentine seeks to assert the objective nature of moral laws and the innate capacity of humans to recognize and respond to ethical imperatives.