Abstract
This paper will explore the thought of William Paley (1743-1805). Its aim is to convey a picture of Paley’s ethical philosophy in its connection to his political science. The paper begins with a brief comment on Paley’s “rise and fall” as an influential thinker. It then enters into Paley’s thought proper by addressing his conception of human happiness. The paper next addresses Paley’s analysis of the moral sense the existence of which he denies. The paper then proceeds to Paley’s discussion of the heroic and the Christian virtues, the nature of envy and emulation, the desire for recognition, the politics of honor, the ethics of lying and the philosopher’s situation in relation to the political community. The thinkers whose names will emerge in the course of the paper either for comparative comment or simple reference include Aristotle, Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, Mandeville, Hume, Kant, Burke, Mill, Fitzhugh and others along with scholarly references.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.