The Philosophy of the Moral Feelings

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

22364

Title

The Philosophy of the Moral Feelings

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

John Abercrombie's philosophical treatise investigates the moral feelings of the human mind, arguing that intellectual knowledge and moral principles must harmonize. The work explores desires, affections, conscience, and faith, asserting that true moral culture requires divine revelation to restore the mind's natural harmony and guide responsible conduct.

Summary up to 500 words

In *The Philosophy of the Moral Feelings*, John Abercrombie presents a sequel to his earlier work on intellectual powers, investigating the moral constitution of humanity. He argues that while the intellectual faculties acquire knowledge of facts, the moral faculties govern duties toward God and fellow beings. Abercrombie emphasizes that a well-regulated mind requires an intimate harmony between these two departments, where intellectual knowledge contributes to moral purity. However, he observes that in the generality of mankind, this harmony is often deranged by the overwhelming influence of external objects and immediate desires. Abercrombie analyzes the human mind through its desires, affections, and self-love. He categorizes desires such as wealth, power, and knowledge, and affections including justice, benevolence, friendship, and patriotism. He distinguishes between healthy exercises of self-love and its morbid form, selfishness. A central theme of the work is the critical role of habit in forming character. Repeated actions solidify moral or vicious tendencies; good habits continue without immediate conscious effort, while bad habits can eventually pervert the conscience until it loses its power to distinguish right from wrong. Abercrombie warns that once a habit of vice is established, the individual may lose the moral perception to recognize their own degradation. The text addresses the corruption of conscience caused by vice and the necessity of a transformative power to restore moral health. Abercrombie contends that without divine revelation, moral philosophy leads to doubt and darkness. Consequently, faith is presented not as blind belief but as a rational acceptance of divine evidence. Faith involves a conviction of one's guilt and inability to save oneself, coupled with confidence in the sincerity of God's offer of mercy and an influence to purify the moral being. This faith leads to a tangible change in character and conduct. Abercrombie concludes that Christianity offers a consistent system that vindicates God's justice while providing mercy and power for moral regeneration. He argues that the philosophy of the moral feelings and the doctrines of revealed religion confirm and illustrate each other. The work urges readers to cultivate habits of virtue through attention to truth, reliance on divine aid, and a surrender of the will to the suggestions of conscience. Ultimately, the book asserts that true moral health requires a power from heaven to redeem the mind from disorder and ruin, raising man anew to his proper station as a moral being.

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4.2/5

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Categories

• Philosophy
• Ethics