ABSTRACT
The two principal theories are the attempts to interpret morality in terms of value on the one hand, or of obligation upon the other. Of these, the former, by itself, seems insufficient; the latter, when justified by the former, to be the proper object of moral study. The values of truth, beauty and happiness would be included Pure axiology, each on its own merits; and these taken simpliciter are not what we mean by morals. These values are relevant to morality only when they carry with them a certain authority for action and direct or prescribe what ought to come about. A very ancient theory identifies value with attractiveness. The sensitive theory also is far too wide, since it includes aesthetic and other attractions for their sensitive, not for their moral sake. A third theory, which also has many supporters, successfully avoids many of the pitfalls which entrap the two former by basing itself entirely upon action and active disposition.
