[Moral Science; A Compendium of Ethics by Alexander Bain]@TWC D-Link book
Moral Science; A Compendium of Ethics

PART II
274/699

Acts of the will are _selfish_ or _benevolent_, according as one's own good, or (as often really in fact happens) the good of others is pursued.

Two _calm_ natural determinations of the will are to be conceded; the one an invariable constant impulse towards one's own highest perfection and happiness; the other towards the universal happiness of others, when the whole system of beings is regarded without prejudice, and in the absence of the notion that their happiness interferes with our own.
There are also _turbulent_ passions and appetites, whose end is their simple gratification; whereupon the violence and uneasiness cease.

Some are selfish--hunger, lust, power, fame; some benevolent--pity, gratitude, parental affection, &c.; others may be of either kind--anger, envy, &c.

In none of them is there any reference in the mind to the greatest happiness of self or others; and that they stand so often in real opposition to the calm motions, is sufficient proof of their distinct character, _e.g._, the opposition of lust and calm regard for one's highest interest.
In Chapter II., he takes up some finer powers of perception, and some other natural determinations of the will.

Bound up with seeing and hearing are certain other powers of perception or senses--Beauty, Imitation, Harmony, Design, summed up by Addison under the name of Imagination, and all natural sources of pleasure.


<<Back  Index  Next>>

D-Link book Top

TWC mobile books