Abstract

At every stage in the development of ethica1 thought, the following question has arisen: what is the role of the primary needs of man--his physical maintenance, the survival of the race-in the determination of his conduct? Almost every ethical philosopher has agreed that this role is a vital one. The father of ethical idealism, Plato, pointed out that society arises from the wants of men, wants that can be satisfied only in human intercourse, since no person is self-sufficient. In our day another ethica1 idea1ist, Bosanquet, has emphasized the continuity of man with this natural environment, and has suggested that economic activity is a significant part of human life. [...]