Question II: On the Foundations of Morality

120. Object of the Question.

The distinction between moral good and evil having been supposed, it is now to be asked concerning the reason, criteria, and foundations of this distinction, and concerning the fundamental principle. To this we shall speak 1) of the intrinsic difference between moral good and evil; 2) of the subjective criterion or norm according to which morality can be determined; 3) of the objective criterion and ultimate foundation of morality; 4) of the errors to be noted and refuted in this matter; 5) of the cognitive faculty of morality, for the question is connected with the preceding ones.