A Manual of Moral Philosophy

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

27531

Title

A Manual of Moral Philosophy

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Designed for colleges and high schools, this 1873 text by Andrew P. Peabody offers a systematic guide to Christian morals. It explores the springs of human action, the nature of right and wrong, and specific virtues like justice, prudence, and fortitude, providing a structured framework for ethical living.

Summary up to 500 words

Andrew P. Peabody's *A Manual of Moral Philosophy*, designed for colleges and high schools, offers a comprehensive examination of ethics grounded in Christian principles. The work systematically explores the foundations of human conduct, beginning with an analysis of the sources of action. Peabody distinguishes between the appetites, desires, and affections, establishing these as the 'springs' of behavior before introducing the governing principles that determine right and wrong. He identifies conscience, observation, law, and Christianity as the primary sources of moral knowledge, arguing that true ethical understanding requires integrating these diverse elements. The manual delineates specific duties, organizing them into three cardinal virtues: prudence, justice, and fortitude. Prudence addresses obligations to oneself, covering self-preservation, the attainment of knowledge, and self-control. Justice encompasses duties to fellow beings, including duties to God, family responsibilities, veracity, honesty, and beneficence. Fortitude deals with the challenges of unavoidable evils and sufferings, cultivating patience, submission, and courage. Additionally, Peabody addresses the duties of order regarding time, place, measure, and manners, emphasizing the importance of structure in moral life. Throughout the text, Peabody engages with casuistry and surveys the historical trajectory of moral philosophy from ancient times to the modern era, providing students with a broad intellectual context. A central theme is the cultivation of virtue through habit and motive. Peabody argues that moral character is not merely a matter of intellectual assent but requires the development of spiritual and intellectual tools to navigate daily complexities. By focusing on the interplay between motive, passion, and habit, the author aims to equip young people with the practical wisdom necessary for ethical living. The manual serves as both an educational resource and a guide for spiritual formation, reflecting Peabody's role as a professor of Christian morals at Harvard University. Ultimately, the work seeks to bridge theoretical philosophy with the practical demands of everyday life, urging readers to align their actions with divine law and moral truth.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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2026-07-05 05:35 UTC

Categories

• Philosophy
• Ethics