The Scientific Basis of Morals, and Other Essays Viz.: Right and Wrong, The Ethics of Belief, The Ethics of Religion

The opening essay invites listeners into a clear, almost conversational investigation of what we call the “moral sense.” By comparing ethical feelings to ordinary tastes, the author argues that our ideas of right and wrong are rooted in concrete pleasures and displeasures that can be examined like any other human faculty. He then shows how these sensations can be studied scientifically, suggesting that moral judgments are not arbitrary but arise from patterns that the human mind has learned to recognize.

Building on that foundation, the collection moves toward broader questions about the ethics of belief and religion. The writer treats moral maxims the way a scientist treats laws— as practical guides distilled from experience. Listeners will find a thoughtful blend of philosophy and naturalistic inquiry that challenges common assumptions without demanding any prior expertise. Each essay is presented in a concise style that makes complex ideas surprisingly accessible.