The Methods of Ethics

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

46743

Title

The Methods of Ethics

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Henry Sidgwick presents a rigorous, impartial examination of ethical methods, avoiding metaphysics and dogma to analyze how reasoned convictions about duty are formed. The text explores the conflict between self-interest and universal benevolence, offering a systematic critique of intuitionism and utilitarianism while seeking a rational foundation for moral science.

Summary up to 500 words

In *The Methods of Ethics*, Henry Sidgwick endeavors to establish ethics as an independent science grounded in reasoned conviction rather than metaphysical speculation or psychological inquiry. He systematically examines three primary methods of ethical reasoning found within the moral consciousness of mankind: Intuitionism (the Morality of Common Sense), Egoistic Hedonism (rational self-interest), and Universalistic Hedonism (Utilitarianism). Sidgwick argues that while common sense morality offers practical rules for daily life, it lacks a coherent ultimate principle to justify those rules. Similarly, he demonstrates that egoism cannot serve as a rational foundation for ethics because it fails to account for the moral obligation to consider the happiness of others. Consequently, Sidgwick elevates Utilitarianism—the pursuit of the greatest happiness for all sentient beings—as the only consistent and rational supreme principle. However, Sidgwick acknowledges a persistent tension between the agent's own happiness and the general good, a conflict he terms the 'Dualism of Practical Reason.' This dualism remains unresolved even after his rigorous analysis, as reason cannot definitively reconcile self-love with benevolence. The work is characterized by a neutral, scholarly tone, treating all moral systems with equal critical scrutiny to expose their strengths and logical difficulties. Sidgwick avoids dogmatism, instead offering an expository and critical examination of how conclusions are rationally reached regarding what ought to be done. He focuses on the methods themselves rather than immediate practical results, aiming to clarify the fundamental notions of 'right' and 'ought.' By analyzing virtues such as benevolence, justice, and prudence, Sidgwick explores the extent to which Utilitarianism aligns with or diverges from common sense morality, ultimately concluding that while the two systems may agree on many specific duties, they remain irreconcilable at the level of ultimate principles.

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Categories

• Philosophy