On the Ethics of Naturalism

A collection of four scholarly lectures, this work opens by probing how ethics intertwines with broader philosophical inquiry. It asks what a proper ethical end might be and why moral theory cannot be isolated from questions of psychology, sociology, and metaphysics. The early sections lay out the foundations of individualistic thinking, especially the relationship between psychological hedonism and egoism, and then turn to the classic debate over utilitarianism’s claim to a universal moral principle.

Moving beyond pure theory, the author examines the role of moral sentiment as a mediating faculty, suggesting that our instincts for harmony and empathy shape ethical judgment. The later chapters bring evolutionary science into the conversation, exploring how the development of life‑forms might inform, but not dictate, notions of altruism and pleasure. Throughout, the discussion remains a careful balance of historical analysis, logical critique, and thoughtful speculation, inviting listeners to rethink how naturalistic ideas intersect with the foundations of moral thought.