Transcriber's note: Text enclosed by underscores is in italics (_italics_). Text enclosed by equal signs is in bold face (=bold=). Sidenotes have been moved to precede their facing paragraphs, and are indicated by double equal signs: ==sidenote text==. Greek words are shown in Greek and then in English transliterations that are indicated by [Greek: ] and were added by the transcribers. Accent mark errors in Greek text have been remedied. THEORETICAL ETHICS by MILTON VALENTINE, D.D., LL. D. Ex-President of Pennsylvania College, and Professor of Theology in the Lutheran Theological Seminary, Gettysburg, Pa., Author of "Natural Theology or Rational Theism." Chicago Scott, Foresman & Co. 1900 Copyright, 1897, by Scott, Foresman & Co. Press of The Henry O. Shepard Co. Chicago PREFACE. Ethical Theory has felt the full force of recent scientific and philosophical agitation. The earlier systems have been subject to earnest and continued discussion. The severest tests available by the progress of knowledge have been applied to both their premises and their conclusions. New theories, based on changed conceptions of man and the world, have been variously elaborated, presenting greatly altered views of the whole phenomenon of morality. While not overthrowing old views these have given instructive suggestions. The ethical field has thus been largely re-surveyed, and whatever light modern science and speculation have furnished has been thrown upon this great and unceasingly important subject. In some respects the agitation has brought confusion and uncertainty. The clash of theories has been disturbing. But on the whole ethical philosophy has been the gainer. The discussions have certified the immovable foundations and essential features of the moral system. The fresh light from the advance of knowledge has proved, as it always does, not destructive, but corrective and confirmatory. The abiding truth has been shown and vindicated by the ordeal through which it has passed.