Part First of "Physical Ethics" is occupied with the statement of axioms, definitions, and propositions "derived from general experience." They are as follows:—
"Axiom 1.—Actions, like objects, are capable of being classified according to their properties, and of being measured by a definite standard.
"Obs.—This axiom merely means that the qualities of actions, like those of objects, are fixed and constant, so that the same action has always the same properties and moral value, and, under the same circumstances, always produces the same effect.... It follows from this axiom that it is possible to act so as to attain a definite object, and thus a general end of action may be arrived at....
"Axiom 2.—The end of action (being some common property or effect) is a possible object of knowledge.
"Axiom 3.—We are capable of being affected by any external object only through our faculties, or (in other words) as a part of our consciousness.
"Axiom 4.—Faculties are known only by their action, or (in other words) so far as they are portions of our consciousness.
"Axiom 5.—The sphere of action lies in the adaptation of 'inner' to 'outer' sequences, of faculties to the laws of nature.
"Axiom 6.—The constitution of man and other animal beings is an organism consisting of a number of parts, each having its appropriate function, and the end of each part results from the performance of its function.
"Axiom 7.—Approbation is the standard whereby we judge of the moral value of actions, and is the universal mark of the due performance of a function and of the attainment of an end."