The relations of this work to works preceding it in the series are such as to involve frequent reference. Containing, as it does, the outcome of principles set forth in each of them, I have found it impracticable to dispense with re-statements of those principles. Further, the presentation of them in their relations to different ethical theories, has made it needful, in every case, briefly to remind the reader what they are, and how they are derived. Hence an amount of repetition which to some will probably appear tedious. I do not, however, much regret this almost unavoidable result; for only by varied iteration can alien conceptions be forced on reluctant minds.
June, 1879.
[CONTENTS.]
| [CHAPTER I.] | |
| Page. | |
| Conduct in General | 1 |
| [CHAPTER II.] | |
| The Evolution of Conduct | 7 |
| [CHAPTER III.] | |
| Good and Bad Conduct | 23 |
| [CHAPTER IV.] | |
| Ways of Judging Conduct | 54 |
| [CHAPTER V.] | |
| The Physical View | 75 |
| [CHAPTER VI.] | |
| The Biological View | 88 |
| [CHAPTER VII.] | |
| The Psychological View | 121 |
| [CHAPTER VIII.] | |
| The Sociological View | 157 |
| [CHAPTER IX.] | |
| Criticisms and Explanations | 178 |
| [CHAPTER X.] | |
| The Relativity of Pains and Pleasures | 206 |
| [CHAPTER XI.] | |
| Egoism versus Altruism | 221 |
| [CHAPTER XII.] | |
| Altruism versus Egoism | 237 |
| [CHAPTER XIII.] | |
| Trial and Compromise | 258 |
| [CHAPTER XIV.] | |
| Conciliation | 285 |
| [CHAPTER XV.] | |
| Absolute and Relative Ethics | 304 |
| [CHAPTER XVI.] | |
| The Scope of Ethics | 332 |