The Philosophy of the Moral Feelings

CONTENTS.


PRELIMINARY OBSERVATIONS.

SECTION I.

NATURE AND IMPORTANCE OF THE SCIENCE OF THE
MORAL FEELINGS.


Division of the Mental Powers into Intellectual and Moral 1

Harmony which ought to exist between these classes 3

Causes by which this harmony is interrupted,--and means
of counteracting them 3

Interest of the science of the Moral Feelings 5

Peculiar sources of Knowledge bearing upon it, from the
light of Conscience, and of Divine Revelation 7


SECTION II.

FIRST TRUTHS IN THE SCIENCE OF THE MORAL
FEELINGS.


Analogy between First Truths, or Intuitive Principles
of Belief, in Intellectual, and in Moral Science 11

Classification of First Truths in Moral Science, as impressions
arising out of each other, by an obvious chain
of relations 16

1. Perception of the nature and quality of actions,
as just or unjust,--right or wrong;--and a
conviction of duties which a man owes to
other men.

2. Conviction of the existence and attributes of a
Great First Cause, and Moral Governor.

3. Conviction of Moral Responsibility.

4. Impression of Future Existence.

Importance of these convictions, as intuitive articles of
belief 18


* * * * *


THE PHILOSOPHY
OF THE MORAL FEELINGS.

Analysis of Man as a Moral Being 27


I. THE DESIRES--THE AFFECTIONS--and SELF-LOVE.

II. THE WILL.

III. THE MORAL PRINCIPLE, or CONSCIENCE.

IV. THE MORAL RELATION OF MAN TOWARDS THE DEITY.


* * * * *


PART I.

THE DESIRES--THE AFFECTIONS--AND SELF-LOVE.


SECTION I.


THE DESIRES 36

1. Desire of the Animal Propensities 37

2. Desire of Wealth--Avarice 38

3. Desire of Power--Ambition 39

4. Desire of Superiority--Emulation 40

5. Desire of Society 41

6. Desire of Esteem or Approbation 42

7. Desire of Knowledge 46

8. Desire of Moral Improvement 47

-- Desire of Action 49

Importance of a Due Regulation of the Desires 50


SECTION II.


THE AFFECTIONS 53

I. JUSTICE 55

1. Justice to the Interests of others--Integrity 59

2. Justice to the Freedom of Action of others 59

3. Justice to the Reputation of others 60

4. Justice in estimating the Conduct and Character of others 61

5. Justice to the Opinions of others--Candour 62

6. Justice to the Feelings of others 63

7. Justice to the Moral Condition of others 64


II. COMPASSION AND BENEVOLENCE 66

1. Benevolence towards the Distresses of others 69

2. Benevolence towards the Reputation of others 70

3. Benevolence towards the Character and Conduct of
others,--including Forgiveness of Injuries 71

4. Benevolence towards the Feelings of others 71

5. Benevolence towards improving the Moral Condition
of others 73


III. VERACITY 74

1. The Love of Truth, in the Reception of it 76

2. Veracity in delivering statements,--including Sincerity 78

3. Truth of Purpose, or Correct fulfilment of Promises 82


IV. FRIENDSHIP, LOVE, AND GRATITUDE