The Principles of Moral and Political Philosophy. by PALEY, William - 1785

London: Printed for R. Faulder, 1785. Paley's first published work First edition of Paley's first published work, a popular success that promoted the idea of utility in moral philosophy, influenced Jeremy Bentham, and remained an essential text for students of philosophy well into the 19th century.
The work was based on the lectures given by Paley between 1766 and 1776 at Christ's College, Cambridge, and were edited and published by Paley following his appointment as Archdeacon of Carlisle. "The Principles was written in a forceful and clear style, which readily suited it for adoption as a textbook at Cambridge, with the consequence that the principle of utility penetrated the teaching of morality at the university. 'Whatever is expedient, is right', taught Paley. 'It is the utility of any moral rule alone, which constitutes the obligation of it' (p. 61). The practice of virtue was supported by the expectations of a futurity in which there would be a proportionable accession of happiness... The appearance of the Principles, with its religious and conservative utilitarian moral and political philosophy, prompted Jeremy Bentham to issue his own secular utilitarian and reformist Introduction to the Principles of Morals and Legislation in 1789" (ODNB).
From the library of William Downes (1751-1826), chief justice of Ireland from 1803, with his bookplate to front pastedown. Quarto (264 x 203 mm). Contemporary sprinkled calf, red morocco label, smooth spine gilt in compartments, early shelf label to top compartments, yellow endpapers. Joints and extremities expertly restored. Light foxing, minor soiling to few pages, 5 cm closed tear at head of pp. 111/2 slightly affecting heading, patch of loss at fore edge of pp. 397/8 not affecting text and small chip in inner margin of same with loss to a few letters, minor loss in inner margin of terminal page without loss to text, a couple other short closed tears not affecting text. Notwithstanding these scattered faults, a very good copy. ESTC T60070.