Pagina 168 di 1391

It is associated too much with the comforts and conveniences of

life; too little with 'the goods of the soul which we desire for

their own sake.' In a great trial, or danger, or temptation, or

in any great and heroic action, it is scarcely thought of. For

these reasons 'the greatest happiness' principle is not the true

foundation of ethics. But though not the first principle, it is

the second, which is like unto it, and is often of easier

application. For the larger part of human actions are neither

right nor wrong, except in so far as they tend to the happiness

of mankind (Introd. to Gorgias and Philebus).