Volume 1

An ethical treatise on the passions, founded on the principles investigated in the philosophical treatise / By T. Cogan.

  • Cogan, T. (Thomas), 1736-1818.
Date:
1807-1810
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: An ethical treatise on the passions, founded on the principles investigated in the philosophical treatise / By T. Cogan. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    It 1s always pleasant to discover some degree of order, in the midst of apparent confusion; to trace the evidences of a re- gular system, where confusion seemed to be most predominant; and to remark final causes where accident or caprice were sup- posed to be the most triumphant. But the study of the passions and affections of the human mind, has a much more important object than these. It is not confined to the mere contemplation of a force, which _we all acknowledge, and all have felt, both by its salutary and pernicious influence; it is a study, which also enables us to direct the impetus of the mind to its proper ob- jects, temper the degrees of its energy to the peculiarities of the case, and place the more permanent affections on those things which cannot deceive or disappoint. For, although speculations of a philosophical nature may amuse and flatter, it is uT1-. Lity alone which makes every species of knowledge of sterling value. Whatever _honours we may be disposed to confer upon