In all determinations of morality, this circumstance of…
“In all determinations of morality, this circumstance of public utility is ever principally in view; and wherever disputes arise, either in philosophy or common life, concerning the bounds of duty, the questions cannot, by any means, be decided with greater certainty, than by ascertaining, on any side, the true interests of mankind. If any false opinion, embraced from appearances, has been found to prevail; as soon as farther experience and sounder reasoning have given us juster notions of human affairs, we retract our first sentiment, and adjust anew the boundaries of moral good and evil.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Morality should be judged by the overall benefit to humanity, not by isolated appearances; truths evolve with better evidence and reasoning.
In simple terms: Moral judgments depend on true human interests and improve with better knowledge.
Key Takeaway
Seek the greater good, revise beliefs with new evidence.
Themes
ethics
human welfare
philosophy
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
philosophical
reflective
When to use this quote
- public policy debates
- ethical committees
- personal decision making
- legal reforms
Key Concepts
utilitarianism
empiricism
moral relativism
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we identify true interests of humanity?
- When should we revise moral judgments?
A Different Perspective
Moral certainty is elusive; context can shift perceived duties.