A Modern Theory of Ethics

A Modern Theory of Ethics is a book by Olaf Stapledon, first published in 1929. Best known for visionary works such as Last and First Men, Stapledon was not only a pioneering science fiction writer but also a philosopher deeply concerned with moral progress and the future of humanity. In this early philosophical study, he sets out to construct a coherent and practical ethical framework suited to the modern world.

Drawing on psychology, social theory, and moral philosophy, Stapledon examines the foundations of right and wrong, the development of personality, and the relationship between the individual and the wider community. He challenges rigid moral dogma and instead argues for an evolving ethical system grounded in human experience, rational reflection, and social responsibility. His approach anticipates later debates in 20th-century ethics, particularly those concerning moral relativism, objective values, and the role of empathy in ethical judgment.

This work will appeal to readers interested in moral philosophy, ethical theory, and the intellectual history of the interwar period. Clear, analytical, and ambitious in scope, A Modern Theory of Ethics offers a systematic attempt to rethink traditional morality in light of modern knowledge, making it a significant contribution to early twentieth-century philosophical thought.