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
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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
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