Subject
Ethics -- History Books
Best books
Edward Westermarck
The origin and development of the moral ideas
"The Origin and Development of the Moral Ideas" by Edward Westermarck is a scientific publication written in the early 20th century. The work explores the emotional basis of moral judgments and concepts like right, wrong, and duty, examining the psychological and cultural factors influencing moral opinions across different societies. Westermarck aims to provide insights into moral consciousness by analyzing the roots of morality rather than establishing a definitive ethical guideline. The opening of the text introduces Westermarck's motivation for writing, stemming from a discussion about moral treatment of individuals with differing ethical views. He expresses curiosity about the origins of varying moral ideas, leading to his extensive research over many years. The first chapter delves into the emotional origins of moral judgments, arguing that these judgments are ultimately expressions of emotions—namely, disapproval and approval. Westermarck promotes the idea that moral concepts are generalizations of tendencies to elicit emotional responses, positioning moral psychology as the crux of ethical discourse.
Charles William Super
Between Heathenism and Christianity Being a translation of Seneca's De Providentia, and Plutarch's De sera numinis vindicta, together with notes, additional extracts from these writers and two essays on Graeco-Roman life in the first century after Christ.
"Between Heathenism and Christianity" by Charles W. Super is a scholarly work that serves as a translation of Seneca’s "De Providentia" and Plutarch’s "De Sera Numinis Vindicta," supplemented with notes and essays on Graeco-Roman life during the first century after Christ. This work likely emerged in the late 19th century and explores the philosophical tensions between ancient pagan beliefs and the nascent Christian faith. The main focus is on how figures like Seneca and Plutarch embody the intersection of these two influential worldviews and how their teachings relate to early Christian thought. At the start of the book, Super provides a preface that sets the stage for the exploration of the notable historical transition from paganism to Christianity. He emphasizes the remarkable spread of Christianity despite its early association with the marginalized Jewish faith and the resistance it faced from Roman society and governance. The initial chapters introduce Seneca's life and philosophical contributions, positioning him on the cusp of Christianity, while also examining Plutarch’s insights on moral virtues. Super outlines the challenges and questions around morality, providence, and the human condition that these thinkers tackled, illuminating the complex ideological landscape of their time.
John Stuart Blackie
Four Phases of Morals: Socrates, Aristotle, Christianity, Utilitarianism
"Four Phases of Morals: Socrates, Aristotle, Christianity, Utilitarianism" by John Stuart Blackie is an ethical discourse that was written in the late 19th century. This work presents a detailed exploration of moral philosophy through the historical context of four important figures and schools of thought: Socrates, Aristotle, Christianity, and utilitarianism. The book aims to highlight the evolution of moral concepts and their relevance to human existence, emphasizing the integral nature of ethical reflection in societal progress. The opening of the discourse sets the stage by acknowledging the author's background as a professor of Greek at the University of Edinburgh, indicating that the content draws heavily from scholarly research and historical analysis. It begins with a tribute to Socrates, presenting him as the cornerstone of moral philosophy, and outlines the aim to illuminate his contributions, particularly through reliable contemporary sources like Xenophon and Plato. Blackie introduces Socratic teachings on the nature of virtue, the importance of moral reasoning, and the interplay between individual happiness and societal good, laying a foundational understanding that will guide the subsequent examination of Aristotle, Christianity, and utilitarian thought. This scholarly introduction invites readers to explore ethical theories that shaped Western civilization and their practical implications for life.
P. V. N. (Philip Van Ness) Myers
History as past ethics; an introduction to the history of morals
"History as Past Ethics: An Introduction to the History of Morals" by Philip Van Ness Myers is a historical account written in the early 20th century. This work aims to explore the moral dimensions of human history, emphasizing how ethical ideals evolve over time and how they are shaped by various social, political, and religious influences. It seeks to provide insights into the history of morals as a crucial aspect of understanding human civilization. The opening of the book introduces the concept of the historian's role in understanding moral progress, positing that the essence of historical evolution lies in moral development. Myers emphasizes that morality is a driving force behind historical movements and that the study of ethical progress is essential for grasping the full narrative of human history. He discusses different interpretations of history and argues against the reduction of historical study to politics, economics, or intellect, advocating instead for the recognition of morality as the central theme. The text sets the stage for a deeper exploration of moral ideas and their transformations across different cultures and epochs, ultimately aspiring to show how collective morality expands from kinship groups to encompass the whole of humanity.
Alexander Bain
Moral Science; a Compendium of Ethics
"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.
Émile Faguet
La démission de la morale
"La démission de la morale" by Émile Faguet is a philosophical treatise written in the early 20th century. The work examines how moral thought moves from ancient, persuasive ethics to the Christian era’s commanding duties and, finally, to Kant’s autonomous morality of pure obligation. It asks whether modern ethics has let duty abdicate in favor of comfort, utility, or sentiment, turning morality into a mere art of living. Readers interested in ethics and intellectual history will find a rigorous, critical survey of moral foundations. The opening of the treatise states its aim: to trace the evolution of morality—especially in France—from pre-Kantian systems to the latest debates. Faguet distinguishes morality as science (normative, rule-giving) from morality as art (techniques for happiness), then surveys antiquity: Socratic and Stoic ethics as rational yet persuasive, Epicurean ethics as eudaimonistic and hypothetical, all lacking true imperative force, much like the mixed imperatives of Greek religion with its gods, Fate, and Nemesis. He shows Christianity instituting a genuinely imperative morality grounded in obedience to God, transformed by Jesus from justice to love, yet still supported by religious sanctions; later, as faith wanes, utilitarian and sentimental “independent” moralities remain merely persuasive and subjective. Turning to Kant, he presents the first fully independent, autonomous morality: the moral fact is self-evident and categorical; duty commands without conditions; freedom is affirmed by the experience of remorse; rewards or pleasure corrupt moral purity; virtue is a conquest against nature; and an enduring tension opposes individual happiness to species-level duty—so that morality becomes, from the start, a perpetual internal struggle of the self against itself.
Edward Westermarck
Tapojen historiaa : $b Kuusi akadeemista esitelmää
"Tapojen historiaa: Kuusi akadeemista esitelmää" by Edvard Westermarck is a collection of academic lectures written in the early 20th century. The work explores the history and significance of social customs across various cultural contexts, particularly focusing on the roles of men and women, family dynamics, and broader societal norms. Through this examination, Westermarck seeks to illuminate the roots of human behavior and civilization. The opening of this work introduces the author's intention to delve into significant aspects of social customs, specifically the status of women in early cultures. Westermarck outlines his method of inquiry, emphasizing the importance of understanding customs as both habitual actions and codes of conduct that shape societal expectations. He discusses the complexities inherent in the roles assigned to men and women, touching on various forms of familial relationships, societal obligations, and their influences. This portion sets the stage for a detailed exploration of how customs are not only remnants of primitive societies but also continue to affect social interactions and values in contemporary cultures.
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