
In this thoughtful exploration of moral philosophy, the author begins by outlining a two‑part framework: first, a systematic inquiry into the nature of ethical standards and the moral faculty that underpins our sense of right and wrong; second, a concise survey of the major ethical systems that have shaped thought from antiquity to the modern era. Drawing on psychology, the work asks whether conscience is an innate, simple intuition or a complex product of experience and education, weighing arguments from immediacy of judgment to the universality of moral sentiment.
Through clear, measured prose, the text invites listeners to consider how our mental processes influence ethical reasoning, and why debates about the origin of conscience remain vital. By comparing diverse doctrines on a uniform plan, it offers a valuable guide for anyone eager to grasp the foundations of ethical theory without getting lost in dense jargon.
Language
en
Duration
~13 hours (770K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2004-07-15
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects

1818–1903
A pioneering Scottish philosopher and psychologist, he helped make the study of the mind more systematic and closely connected to physiology. His books on the senses, emotion, intellect, and logic were widely read in the 19th century and helped shape modern psychology.
View all books