The Questions in a Theory of Moral Sentiments

¹ Almost all of the remarkable theories on the nature of our moral feelings are partly correct and partly wrong due to their imperfect view of nature.

² There are two questions regarding moral principles:

1. What is their definition of virtue?
2. What is the conduct that makes up the praise-worthy character?

• This character is the natural object of esteem, honour, and approbation.
• By what faculty in the mind recommends this character to us?
• How does the mind=
  • prefer one conduct to another?
  • denominates the one right and the other wrong?

3 The first question leads to virtue-based moral systems.

• Dr. Hutcheson’s system is based on benevolence
• Dr. Clarke’s system is based on acting suitably to our situation
• The system of others is based on the wise and prudent pursuit of our own real happiness

4 The second question leads to moral systems that derive virtue from=

• self-love
  • This leads to moral systems based on private interest.
• reason
  • This compares characters, similar to the comparison between truth and falsehood.
• a moral sense, which is pleased by this virtuous character and displeased by the contrary one
• some other principle in human nature, such as a modification of sympathy, or the like.