The Basis of Morality

"The Basis of Morality" by Annie Besant is a philosophical treatise written in the early 20th century. This work examines the foundations of ethics and moral principles, focusing on the interplay between revelation, intuition, utility, evolution, and mysticism as potential bases for morality. Besant seeks to explore how these concepts shape our understanding of right and wrong and offers insights into the moral dilemmas faced by individuals and societies. In the book, Besant critically analyzes different proposed foundations of morality, arguing against the sufficiency of revelation due to its unprogressive nature and the fixed rules it embodies. She discusses the limitations of intuition, as variations in individual consciences can lead to conflicting moral judgments. Besant then introduces the concept of utility, suggesting that morality should be based on the greatest happiness for the greatest number, yet points out the challenges that arise from this approach. Ultimately, she advocates for an evolutionary perspective on morality, asserting that moral principles must adapt to the evolving understanding of human relations and consciousness. The work delves deep into the nuances of ethical thought, providing a comprehensive analysis of morality's basis in human experience and the natural laws of life. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Annie Besant was a British socialist, theosophist, freemason, women's rights and Home Rule activist, educationist and campaigner for Indian nationalism. She was an ardent supporter of both Irish and Indian self-rule. She became the first female president of the Indian National Congress in 1917.