Part 2

CONTENTS

CHAP. PAGE I. INTRODUCTION 1

The importance ascribed to the word "conscience" by public opinion: by the State: by the Church: need for examination of its credentials

II. THE VALIDITY OF MORAL JUDGMENTS 7

Theism and Determinism: the Intuitive schools: the Rationalistic schools: recognition of Good: the facts stated: the Utilitarian standard demanded

III. THE MEANING OF MORAL OBLIGATION 20

The argument against Utilitarianism: Mill's defence of Utilitarianism: a variation of Mill's position: the principle of proximity: the meaning of Truth: duty: an illustration from history: Robert E. Lee

IV. RELIGION AND MORALITY 32

Probing the essentials: the need for a moral code: its artificial character: the deeper morality: Morality and Religion: religious and political fanaticism: moral values and psychic force: Monism and Duality: a reconciliation of systems: conservation of the soul: education and the formation of opinion.

V. THE LAWS OF SUGGESTION AND "SUBJECTIVE MIND" 44

The power of ideas: origin of the World War: psychodynamics and the law of suggestion: Haeckel on emotion: Dr. Samuel Johnson on the progress of an agitator: consciousness: Hudson's hypothesis: the two aspects of mind: Theology on the origin of Good and Evil: self-knowledge: Socrates and Joan of Arc: the phenomena of madness: men of genius: evolution and organic memory: telepathy: the power of suggestion: psychotherapeutics: faith-healers: Christian Science: memory: Coleridge's case: William James: Bernard Shaw on Art.

VI. VALUER AND VALUATION 73

Factors determining valuation and arrangement of the discussion.

(1) INSTINCT AND HEREDITY 73

Prof. Ward on heredity: Haeckel on instincts: McDougall on instincts: imitation and morality: demagogues and fanatics: geniuses and politicians: maternal impressions: heredity versus environment: conscience as an emotional and instinctive organ, and conscience as a thinking and intellectual organ: the force of cosmic suggestion on morality: remorse.

(2) THE FACTOR OF EMOTION 86

Emotion defined: its manifestations: its control: Ward on emotion: James on emotion: the aesthetic emotions: Racine and the element of mystery in Art: William Hazlitt on the worship of names: emotional sensibility: aesthetic appreciation.

(3) JUDGMENT OF ENDS 96

The intellectual and critical processes: realization of ends: recognition of Good: the norm of valuation.

(4) COSMIC SUGGESTION 99

Public opinion: emotional suggestions: individual suggestibility: gregarious attraction: ecstatic oratory: Rasputin: Mark Antony: propaganda: the Press: Mr. Hilaire Belloc's views: the influence of literature: the worship of symbols: Bergson's definition of metaphysics: the necessary task of religion: progress or decline: the highest form of morality.

CONSCIENCE AND FANATICISM

INTRODUCTION

In all ages conscience has been the theme of priest, politician, philanthropist and obstructionist. So often used and so seldom analysed, beyond a bare assertion of its function, it is curious to reflect on the strange medley of uses to which this word is put.

Conscience is at once the standard and the refuge of orthodox and fanatic, patriot and anarchist--according as they are described by admirer or detractor--but, let us believe with Lecky, least often of the genuine hypocrite.

Never was a nation so beset with "conscientious" men and women as England is to-day; some helping, some hindering, some having little effect on the national welfare. Some flaunt the badge obtrusively, they label themselves "conscientious objectors to military service," "conscientious objectors to vaccination," "conscientious teetotallers"; in some cases anti-vivisectionists, social reformers and (formerly) suffragettes proclaim their exertions endured for "conscience' sake"; so, for the most part, do missionaries and religious functionaries, and, in fact, all and any who engage in propaganda or obstruction, "because," they say, "something higher than reason prompts our motives--'conscience'." Others refer to conscience shyly as of something too sacred to be spoken of publicly, and again others only in moments of intense earnestness--or alcoholic remorse.

A conscience, in fact, is an invaluable asset; where it does not gain approbation, it at least gains some measure of respect.

Most people, then, admit the existence and the reality of what we popularly call "conscience," and although fewer people are agreed as to its origin and nature, it is, nevertheless, accorded a high place of importance and almost universal recognition as an arbiter in the affairs of men.