But contrarily, Morals are a Science.
In this Question, 1. I will expound one Term of the Question; 2. I will give you one distinction: 3. And then answer the Question.
⟨p. 98⟩1. As to the first I say that Moral is sometime taken largely, for humane Acts which are under the will absolutely:—Sometime more strictly, for Acts subject to the Power of the will, according to the natural dictate of Reason, and according to other circumstances.
2. As to the second you must know that Moral Doctrine hath many parts: of which one is Positive, another is Not-positive. Moral Science Positive, is that which containeth humane Laws, and Divine, which oblige us to follow or avoid things, which are neither good nor evil; nor because prohibited and commanded by a superior to whom it belongeth to give Laws. But Moral Science not positive is that which without any command of a Superior directeth humane actions: as Principles known by themselves, or known by experience, so direct; As that all that is honest is to be done, and all that is dishonest is to be avoided; and such like of which Aristotle speaketh in his Moral Philosophy.
3. As to the third I say, That Moral Positive Science, such as the Science of Lawyers is, is not Demonstrative, though in many things it be regulated by that which is demonstrative. Because the reasons of Lawyers are founded on humane ⟨p. 99⟩Positive Laws, which receive not propositions evidently known. But Moral Science not positive is Demonstrative; I prove it: Because all knowledge deducing conclusions Syllogistically, from Principles known by themselves, or by experience of him that knoweth, is demonstrative: But such is Moral Doctrine: ergo, &c.
The Major is known: The Minor is proved, Because in Moral Philosophy there are many Principles known by themselves; As that the will is to conform it self to right reason; that all evil is to be avoided, and such like. In like manner, many Principles are known by Experience; as is evident to him that followeth experience. And I further say, that This is more Certain than many other things, in as much as every man may have more Experience of his own acts, than of other things: From whence it is plain that this is a Science, very Subtle, Profitable and Evident.
But contrarily, Morals are a Science.
In this Question, 1. I will expound one Term of the Question; 2. I will give you one distinction: 3. And then answer the Question.
⟨p. 98⟩1. As to the first I say that Moral is sometime taken largely, for humane Acts which are under the will absolutely:—Sometime more strictly, for Acts subject to the Power of the will, according to the natural dictate of Reason, and according to other circumstances.
2. As to the second you must know that Moral Doctrine hath many parts: of which one is Positive, another is Not-positive. Moral Science Positive, is that which containeth humane Laws, and Divine, which oblige us to follow or avoid things, which are neither good nor evil; nor because prohibited and commanded by a superiour to whom it belongeth to give Laws. But Moral Science not positive is that which without any command of a Superidirecteth humane actions: as Principles known by themselves, or known by experience, so direct; As that all that is honest is to be done, and all that is dishonest is to be avoided; and such like of which Aristotle speaketh in his Moral Philosophie.
3. As to the third I say, That Moral Positive Science, such as the Science of Lawyers is, is not Demonstrative, though in many things it be regulated by that which is demonstrative. Because the reasons of Lawyers are founded on humane ⟨p. 99⟩Positive Laws, which receive not propositions evidently known. But Moral Science not positive is Demonstrative; I prove it: Because all knowledge deducing conclusions Syllogistically, from Principles known by themselves, or by experience of him that knoweth, is demonstrative: But such is Moral Doctrine: ergo, &c.
The Major is known: The Minor is proved, Because in Moral Philosophie there are many Principles known by themselves; As that the will is to conform it self to right reason; that all evil is to be avoided, and such like. In like manner, many Principles are known by Experience; as is evident to him that followeth experience. And I further say, that This is more Certain than many other things, in as much as every man may have more Experience of his own acts, than of other things: From whence it is plain that this is a Science, very Subtile, Profitable and Evident.
