First Principles of Ethics : Designed as a Basis for Instruction in Ethical Science in Schools and Colleges (Classic Reprint)

Explore the practical science of ethics and learn how right action is determined in daily life.

This primer presents ethics as a practical, human science that studies the laws of right conduct. It explains how moral action is judged by its relation to nature, reason, and the duties we owe to others, both as individuals and within society.

You’ll discover how acts are analyzed beyond surface appearances, focusing on motive, intention, and the real aim behind every action. The text also outlines how truthfulness, justice, and benevolence shape our duties, and why reputation and truthfulness matter in everyday life.

• Formal definitions of right and wrong and how they apply to actions, motives, and outcomes
• Different grounds for moral judgment, including veracity, justice, and the good of others
• Practical guidance on evaluating motives and distinguishing truth from falsehood
• Foundational discussion of how ethics relates to personal responsibility and social duties

Ideal for readers of ethical philosophy and students seeking a clear, structured basis for moral assessment.