Recent Tendencies in Ethics: Three Lectures to Clergy Given at Cambridge

The Nature of the Good and Moral Obligation

Central to Sorley's own constructive ethical vision is a robust understanding of 'the Good' and the binding force of moral obligation. He argues against reducing 'the Good' to mere pleasure, utility, or evolutionary fitness, positing instead a more objective, perhaps intrinsically valuable, and comprehensive 'Good' that serves as the ultimate end of moral striving. This 'Good' is apprehended through reason and conscience, giving rise to duties that are not contingent on consequences or personal preference, but are inherently authoritative. This theme is the synthesis of his critiques, aiming to establish a more stable and profound basis for ethics.

Critique of Utilitarianism

Sorley thoroughly examines Utilitarian ethics, particularly its focus on maximizing pleasure or happiness as the sole criterion for moral action. He argues that Utilitarianism struggles to account for the inherent moral obligation, the intrinsic value of certain acts (like justice or truth-telling), and the non-reducible nature of 'the Good' to mere psychological states. He highlights its difficulty in establishing genuine duty beyond expediency and its potential to overlook individual rights for collective benefit.