Introduction To Ethics: Including A Critical Survey Of Moral Systems - Softcover

Théodore Jouffroy

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0371877636 ISBN 13: 9780371877630

Publisher: HardPress, 1839

Synopsis

Introduction To Ethics: Including A Critical Survey Of Moral Systems by Théodore Jouffroy. The work offers a comprehensive critique of major ethical frameworks, systematically analyzing the selfish, sentimental, and rational systems that have shaped Western moral philosophy. In William H. Channing's English translation, Jouffroy surveys the selfish theory (as exemplified by Hobbes and Bentham), the sentimental traditions (notably Smith, Hutcheson, and Hume), and the rational analyses (Price, Wollaston, Clarke, Malebranche, and Wolf). He distinguishes between three modes of moral motivation—self-interest, disinterested sentiment, and rational obligation—and argues for a morality grounded in universal order rather than mere personal gain or sentiment. The lectures compare sources of moral knowledge, test definitions of good and duty against common sense and historical development, and expose logical and metaphysical shortcomings. A central aim is to distinguish absolute good from moral good and to delineate how reason and conscience ought to guide action in light of universal principles. The text thus serves as both a historical survey and a rigorous critique of ethical theory, illuminating the foundations of moral philosophy.

Edition details

• Publisher: HardPress
• Publication date: 1839
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0371877636
• ISBN 13: 9780371877630
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 382