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Moral Philosophy: Ethics, Deontology and Natural Law

Written by Joseph Rickaby

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Ethics

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About this book

"Moral Philosophy: Ethics, Deontology and Natural Law" by Joseph Rickaby is a philosophical treatise written during the early 20th century. The text explores the complex relationships between moral obligation, ethical theories, and the natural law philosophy, delving into the intricacies of human acts, happiness, and duty. Rickaby distinguishes between ethics as the study of happiness and deontology as the science of duty, framing a comprehensive understanding of moral philosophy. The opening of the book introduces the subject matter, defining moral philosophy as the science of human acts concerning both happiness and duty. It argues that all human acts are purposeful attempts aimed at attaining some form of happiness, which is articulated through the author’s interpretation of Aristotle's ethics. Rickaby critiques previous ethical frameworks for neglecting the concept of moral obligation and argues for a tripartite division of moral philosophy that covers ethics, deontology, and natural law. The author emphasizes the importance of understanding how ethics influences human behavior while also emphasizing the role of deontology in delineating moral laws and obligations. Overall, this opening establishes a foundational viewpoint for the ensuing discussions on morality and ethical conduct.

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Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in Moral Philosophy: Ethics, Deontology and Natural Law, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 12 hours
  • advanced
  • Analytical
  • Systematic
  • Profound

Joseph Rickaby's "Moral Philosophy: Ethics, Deontology and Natural Law" is an early 20th-century philosophical treatise that systematically explores the foundations of moral conduct. The book establishes a comprehensive framework for moral philosophy, distinguishing between ethics as the pursuit of happiness, deontology as the science of duty and obligation, and natural law as the ultimate ground for moral principles. Rickaby synthesizes Aristotelian eudaimonistic ethics with a strong emphasis on moral duty, critiquing earlier frameworks for overlooking obligation. He argues that all human actions are purposeful and aim at some form of happiness, yet are simultaneously bound by inherent moral laws derived from nature, thereby providing a unified understanding of human morality.

“"Moral Philosophy is the science of human acts as they bear on man's last end, which is happiness, and as they are subject to moral law, which imposes duty."”

Key themes

Moral Obligation and Duty
This is a central theme, as Rickaby explicitly argues for the necessity of understanding moral obligation, defining deontology as the science of duty. He posits that morality is not merely about achieving personal happiness but also about fulfilling inherent duties and following moral laws. This obligation is not arbitrary but grounded in a rational understanding of human nature and its ultimate purpose.
Natural Law
Natural Law serves as the bedrock of Rickaby's moral philosophy, providing the objective and universal foundation for moral duties and obligations. He views it as the rational participation of man in the eternal law, discoverable through reason, and inherently guiding human beings towards their proper end. This theme connects human reason, moral conduct, and a divinely ordered universe, giving his ethics a strong metaphysical grounding.
Happiness (Eudaimonia)
Following Aristotle, Rickaby frames ethics as the study of happiness, arguing that all human acts are purposeful and aimed at attaining some form of good which leads to happiness. However, he clarifies that true happiness is not merely subjective pleasure but is connected to man's ultimate end and perfection, which is intrinsically linked to virtuous action and the fulfillment of moral law.

Worth discussing

How does Rickaby's tripartite division of moral philosophy (ethics, deontology, natural law) enhance or complicate our understanding of morality compared to monistic ethical theories?

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