The Methods of Ethics (Annotated)
Enriched Edition. A Systematic Inquiry into Egoism, Intuitionism, Utilitarianism, and the Dualism of Practical ReasonBy Henry Sidgwick
Length20h 18m
About this audiobook
The Methods of Ethics is one of the most exacting works of nineteenth-century moral philosophy, a systematic inquiry into the rational procedures by which human beings determine what they ought to do. Sidgwick examines three principal "methods"—ethical egoism, intuitionism, and utilitarianism—testing each with analytic patience and unusual fairness. Written in a lucid yet densely argumentative Victorian prose, the book stands at the crossroads of classical utilitarianism and modern analytic ethics, transforming moral philosophy from exhortation into disciplined conceptual investigation. Henry Sidgwick (1838–1900), a Cambridge philosopher and co-founder of Newnham College, brought to ethics the habits of a mathematician, classicist, and reform-minded intellectual. His religious doubts, commitment to rational inquiry, and engagement with debates on education, politics, and social progress shaped his desire to discover whether morality could be grounded in reason. The book's famous "dualism of practical reason" reflects his intellectual honesty: he refused to conceal tensions between self-interest and universal benevolence. This volume is essential for readers seeking the foundations of contemporary moral theory. Philosophers, students of utilitarianism, and anyone interested in rigorous ethical reflection will find it demanding, subtle, and profoundly rewarding.
This enriched edition has been carefully crafted to add value to your reading experience.
- A succinct Introduction situates the work's timeless appeal and themes.
- The Synopsis outlines the central plot, highlighting key developments without spoiling critical twists.
- A detailed Historical Context immerses you in the era's events and influences that shaped the writing.
- A thorough Analysis dissects symbols, motifs, and character arcs to unearth underlying meanings.
- Reflection questions prompt you to engage personally with the work's messages, connecting them to modern life.
- Hand‐picked Memorable Quotes shine a spotlight on moments of literary brilliance.
- Interactive footnotes clarify unusual references, historical allusions, and archaic phrases for an effortless, more informed read.
Audiobook details
Rating★★★★ 3.9 (196)
Includes Goodreads, LibraryThing
GenrePhilosophy
Length20 hrs 18 mins
Narrated byListen with 1,000+ voices
FormateBook with Audio
Publish dateNov 26, 2023
LanguageEnglish
Table of contents
1The Methods of Ethics (Annotated)
2Introduction
3Synopsis
4Historical Context
5The Methods of Ethics
Show all chaptersShow less
6BOOK I
7CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION
8CHAPTER II THE RELATION OF ETHICS TO POLITICS
9CHAPTER III ETHICAL JUDGMENTS
10CHAPTER IV PLEASURE AND DESIRE
11CHAPTER V FREE WILL
12CHAPTER VI ETHICAL PRINCIPLES AND METHODS
13CHAPTER VII EGOISM AND SELF-LOVE
14CHAPTER VIII INTUITIONISM
15CHAPTER IX GOOD
16BOOK II EGOISTIC HEDONISM
17CHAPTER I THE PRINCIPLE AND METHOD OF EGOISM
18CHAPTER II EMPIRICAL HEDONISM
19CHAPTER III EMPIRICAL HEDONISM — Continued
20CHAPTER IV OBJECTIVE HEDONISM AND COMMON SENSE
21CHAPTER V HAPPINESS AND DUTY
22CHAPTER VI DEDUCTIVE HEDONISM
23BOOK III INTUITIONISM
24CHAPTER I INTUITIONISM
25CHAPTER II VIRTUE AND DUTY
26CHAPTER III WISDOM AND SELF-CONTROL
27CHAPTER IV BENEVOLENCE
28CHAPTER V JUSTICE
29CHAPTER VI LAWS AND PROMISES
30CHAPTER VII THE CLASSIFICATION OF DUTIES—VERACITY
31CHAPTER VIII OTHER SOCIAL DUTIES AND VIRTUES
32CHAPTER IX SELF-REGARDING VIRTUES
33CHAPTER X COURAGE, HUMILITY, ETC.
34CHAPTER XI REVIEW OF THE MORALITY OF COMMON SENSE
35CHAPTER XII MOTIVES OR SPRINGS OF ACTION CONSIDERED AS SUBJECTS OF MORAL JUDGMENT
36CHAPTER XIII PHILOSOPHICAL INTUITIONISM
37CHAPTER XIV ULTIMATE GOOD
38BOOK IV UTILITARIANISM
39CHAPTER I THE MEANING OF UTILITARIANISM
40CHAPTER II THE PROOF OF UTILITARIANISM
41CHAPTER III RELATION OF UTILITARIANISM TO THE MORALITY OF COMMON SENSE
42CHAPTER IV THE METHOD OF UTILITARIANISM
43CHAPTER V THE METHOD OF UTILITARIANISM— Continued
44CONCLUDING CHAPTER THE MUTUAL RELATIONS OF THE THREE METHODS
45Footnote
46Analysis
47Reflection
48Memorable Quotes
Old Path White CloudsThich Nhat Hanh16h 39m4.6 (15K)$25
Metaphysics (Annotated)Aristotle13h 30m4.6 (1.2K)$2 · $0.00
Sceptical Essays (Annotated)Bertrand Russell9h 16m4.6 (1K)$2 · $0.00
WitnessAriel Burger8h 1m4.6 (1.3K)$20 · $0.00
The Magic PresenceGodfré Ray King10h 21m4.6 (307)$1.20 · $0.00
The Practicing StoicWard Farnsworth9h 56m4.5 (9.2K)$20
Moral Letters to LuciliusLucius Annaeus Seneca24h 26m4.5 (71.7K)$1.99 · $0.00
Lessons in TruthH. Emilie Cady3h 50m4.5 (2.4K)$20 · $0.00
The LawFrédéric Bastiat2h 7m4.4 (17K)$10
IlluminationsWalter Benjamin10h 12m4.4 (16.2K)$20 · $0.00
That Bird Has My WingsJarvis Jay Masters9h 49m4.4 (13.7K)$29 · $0.00
Tâo Teh KingLaozi2h 34m4.4 (230.9K)$2 · $0.00
SymposiumPlato3h 26m4.4 (97.9K)$1.20 · $0.00
Buddhist Boot CampTimber Hawkeye2h 39m4.4 (8.4K)$18 · $0.00
Change Your MindRJ Spina7h 5m4.6 (288)$17
Enchiridion & The Discourses of Epictetus (Annotated)Arrian Epictetus18h 9m4.4 (3.5K)$2 · $0.00
The Meditations of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius AntoninusEmperor of Rome Marcus Aurelius5h 41m4.4 (1.8M)$1 · $0.00
Crime and PunishmentFyodor Dostoevsky23h 11m4.4 (1.3M)$12 · $0.00
MeditationsMarcus Aurelius5h 52m4.4 (433.7K)$1 · $0.00
Everyday DharmaSuneel Gupta5h 2m4.5 (761)$20 · $0.00
You may also like
Fundamental Principles of the Metaphysics of MoralsImmanuel Kant3h 20m4.0 (28K)$2.30
Groundwork of the Metaphysics of MoralsImmanuel Kant4h 47m4.0 (28.9K)$2 · $0.00
Fundamental Principles of the Metaphysic of MoralsImmanuel Kant3h 21m4.0 (24.5K)$0.60 · $0.00
Appearance and Reality from the Problems of PhilosophyBertrand Russell19m4.1 (25.9K)$1 · $0.00
The Critique of Practical ReasonImmanuel Kant6h 52m4.2 (14.9K)$3.50 · $0.00
Science of LogicGeorg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel17h 39m4.3 (2.4K)$1 · $0.00
The Philosophy of Spiritual ActivityRudolf Steiner7h 34m4.3 (2.1K)$1.20 · $0.00
The Joys Of CompoundingGautam Baid17h 34m4.5 (2.5K)$18 · $0.00
Talk to MeDean Nelson10h 9m4.3 (646)$29 · $0.00
The Critique of Practical ReasonImmanuel Kant6h 30m4.1 (24.6K)$1.20 · $0.00
The CategoriesAristotle2h 41m4.0 (2.2K)$1 · $0.00
THE PRINCIPLES OF PSYCHOLOGY (Complete Edition In 2 Volumes)William James62h 58m4.3 (895)$1 · $0.00
English TraitsRalph Waldo Emerson7h 2m3.8 (1K)$21 · $0.00
ParmenidesPlato4h 9m4.1 (4.2K)$1.80 · $0.00
A Record of Study in Aboriginal American LanguagesDaniel G. Brinton42m$2 · $0.00
First Principles (Annotated)Herbert Spencer18h 15m4.4 (11)$2 · $0.00
The Quantum MomentRobert P. Crease, Alfred Scharff Goldhaber9h 32m3.9 (596)$23
Dramatic TechniqueGeorge Pierce Baker19h 53m4.5 (20)$2 · $0.00
Mind and Motion and MonismGeorge John Romanes3h 15m$2 · $0.00
How to Rock It like a TED TalkCathey Armillas3h 46m3.6 (128)$80