Preface.

THIS "Brief Text-Book of Moral Philosophy" is a companion volume to the author's "Brief Text-Book of Logic and Mental Philosophy," lately published and already extensively used in Academies and other educational institutions. The author's aim is to present to students and readers -- to such, especially, as are unfamiliar with the Latin language -- a brief yet clear outline of the system of Ethics taught in Catholic Colleges, Seminaries and Universities. This system is based on the philosophy of Aristotle.

Questions of Ethics, which in former times were left to the close scientific treatment of specialists, are at the present day freely discussed among all classes of society -- in newspapers and popular magazines, in the workshop and in the parlor.

Extravagant notions of individual and social rights are circulated, while the rash speculations of so-called scientists are sapping in many minds the very foundations of morality. Never before has there been a more urgent call on the part of the people for the lucid exposition and the correct application of sound moral principles.

In this sad confusion of thought, no small utility will be found in a clear, simple, systematic explanation of the ethical doctrines taught by the greatest minds of the past ages, and lately most highly recommended by our Supreme Pontiff, the illustrious Leo. XIII. Such an exposition the author has endeavored to present in this little volume.

THE AUTHOR.
CREIGHTON UNIVERSITY, OMAHA, NEB.
March 12, 1895.

Table of Contents.

INTRODUCTION

• BOOK I -- DIRECTION OF HUMAN ACTS.
  • CHAPTER I. The End to which Human Acts are to be Directed
    • Article I. Ends in General
    • Article II. The Last End of Man
    • Article III. The Attainment of the Last End
  • CHAPTER II. The Morality of Human Acts
    • Article I. The Essence of Morality
    • Article II. The Determinants of Morality
    • Article III. Accountability for Moral Acts
    • Article IV. Circumstances that Lessen Accountability
    • Article V. The Passions
    • Article VI. Virtues and Vices
  • CHAPTER III. Law, the Rule of Human Acts
    • Article I. The Moral Law
    • Article II. Conscience
    • Article III. Sanction of the Moral Law

• BOOK II. -- INDIVIDUAL RIGHTS AND DUTIES.
  • CHAPTER I. Rights and Duties in General
  • CHAPTER II. Our Duties to God
    • Article I. Adoration
    • Article II. Faith in God
    • Article III. Love of God
  • CHAPTER III. Our Duties to Ourselves
  • CHAPTER IV. Our Duties to Other Men
    • Article I. Duty of Love to Others
    • Article II. Duties Regarding the Minds and Wills of Others
    • Article III. Duties Regarding the Lives of Others
    • Article IV. Duties Regarding Honor
  • CHAPTER V. Rights of Ownership
    • Article I. Validity of Titles to Ownership
    • Article II. Violations of Ownership
    • Article III. Various Modes of Acquiring Property
    • Article IV. Transfer of Property by Contract)
    • Article V. Wages of Laborers

• BOOK III. -- SOCIAL RIGHTS AND DUTIES.
  • CHAPTER I. Society in General
  • CHAPTER II. Domestic Society
    • Article I. Nature and Purpose of Domestic Society
    • Article II. Unity and Indissolubility of Matrimony
    • Article III. Parental Authority -- Education
  • CHAPTER III. Civil Society
    • Article I. Nature and Origin of Civil Society
      1. The End of Civil Government
      2. The Units that Compose Civil Society
      3. Civil Authority
      4. Means Employed by Civil Authority
    • Article II. The Functions of Civil Government
      1. Legislation
      2. The Judiciary
      3. The Executive
  • CHAPTER IV. International Law.

ALPHABETICAL INDEX