Essays on Ethics and Method

This is a selection of the shorter writings of the 19th-century moral philosopher Henry Sidgwick. Sidgwick's monumental work "The Methods of Ethics" is a classic of philosophy. These essays develop further Sidgwick's ethical ideas, respond to criticism of the "Methods", and discuss rival theories.

Other aspects of Sidgwick's thought are also illuminated, in particular his interests in method, verification, and proof. The essays show Sidgwick to be a forerunner of 20th-century analytical philosophy: they illustrate his emphasis on common sense and ordinary language, and exemplify not only his care, clarity, and precision, but also the wit and humour that are not prominent in his longer works.

Marcus Singer provides an editorial introduction to Sidgwick and his intellectual context.