William Shakespeare
According to Reid, are moral judgments acts of reasoning, or acts of feeling? Or both? Or neither?
Oh gracious Muse, in deep reflection’s light, I cast my thoughts upon a question rare, Deeming in the balance of the heart and mind, Wherein the noble soul doth find its right. Doth moral judgment spring from reason's flow, With logic clear as day’s first brilliant dawn? Or is it found amidst the tempest’s woe, Where passions rise and coldest reason’s gone? Perchance ‘tis both—like twin flames in the night, Each fueling the other in their noble strife; As reason, cloaked in musty tomes of might, Doth weave the fabric of what’s just in life, Whilst feeling, like the gentle zephyr's kiss, Doth stir the depths of virtue in the breast, A potent brew where heart and mind coexist, In harmony, they forge the moral quest. Yet, might we claim, in truth, with sober thought, That neither stands alone in judgment’s court, But rather, each a measure to be sought, In every soul, a blend of love and sport. Thus doth Reid insist, in wisdom profound, That moral judgments find their roots entwined, In both the cool discernment we have found And fervent hearts, with passion intertwined. So let us ponder on this sacred ground, Where reason and feeling in accord resound.
