2. What is morality? the object of morality.—Morality may be considered as a science or as an art.
By science we understand a totality of truths connected with each other concerning one and the same object. Science has for its object proper, knowledge.
By art we understand a totality of rules or precepts for directing activity towards a definite end; art has for its object proper, action.
Science is theoretical or speculative; art is practical.
Morality is a science inasmuch as it seeks to know and demonstrate the principles and conditions of morality; it is an art inasmuch as it shows and prescribes to us its applications.
As science, morality may be defined: science of good or science of duty.
As art, morality may be defined: the art of right living or the art of right acting.
3. Division of morality.—Morality is divided into two parts: in one it studies principles, in the other, applications; in the one, duty; in the other, duties.
Hence a theoretical morality and a practical morality. The first may also be called general morality, and the second particular morality, because the first has for its object the study of the common and general character of all our duties, and the other especially that of the particular duties, which vary according to objects and circumstances. It is in the first that morality has especially the character of science, and in the second, the character of art.
4. Utility of morality.—The utility of moral science has been disputed. The ancients questioned whether virtue could be taught. It may also be asked whether it should be taught. Morality, it is said, depends much more upon the heart than upon the reasoning faculties. It is rather by education, example, habit, religion, sentiment, than through theories, that men become habituated to virtue. If this were so, moral science would be of no use.