The Methods of Ethics

CHAPTER V

Chapter 1978 wordsPublic domain

HAPPINESS AND DUTY

1. It has been thought possible to prove on empirical grounds that one’s greatest happiness is always attained by the performance of duty. 162-163

2. But no such complete coincidence seems to result from a consideration either of the Legal Sanctions of Duty: 163-166

3. or of the Social Sanctions: 166-170

4. or of the Internal Sanctions: even if we consider not merely isolated acts of duty, but a virtuous life as a whole. 170-175