25 Sept 1814

Logic

Ch.2. Characteristics

'.2.1 End

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Well-being? - but is not this, (it may be asked) the end in view or the ultimate as well as direct and immediate object of another and very different branch of art or science, a branch distinguished by a separate and a different name, viz. Ethics?

Undoubtedly: but by being the object - the end ultimate object of that other art, it is not the less truly and properly so, of the one in question. As every action whatsoever so must every art (for art is but an aggregate of actions) have this for its object - have this same common result, viz. well-being, for its ultimate object.

If Ethics has this for its object, so has medicine for example, so has cookery: but this same result, in so far as it can with propriety be said to be of any use, Logic may with not the less propriety be said to have for its object - meaning for its ultimate object - likewise.

If in the pursuit of well-being it be the province of Ethics to take the direction of human conduct - in that same pursuit it is the province of Logic to take the command and give direction to the course of Ethics itself. From having his Generals under him the Commander in chief has not the less the command of the army committed to his care.

Logic, like every other branch of art and science, logic, in a word, like every thing else, is not any otherwise nor any further deserving of regard, than in so far as it is, or is capable of being of use. But of use in any intelligible sense can neither this nor any thing else ultimately be, any further than it has been, is, or is capable of being conducive to the diminution of pain in some shape or other or to the encrease of pleasure.

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