19 
examined, we seem to repeat with emphasis^ jbSof^fact’ 0 * 
this word “ fact,” let it be borne in mind that we thus^ far in- 
have to evince throughout that our conclusions 
rest on this broad scientific basis, and no other ; not on 
opinion, not on theory, not on exceptions, but on such realities 
as we may appeal to, in the nature of man as man, in the 
broadest way and with no reserve that any one can think 
partial ; unless he be a mere caviller, with whom, of course, 
we have nothing to do here. 
VI. 
terms Repon- 
sible and Ac- 
countable. 
33. We will carry our induction of facts somewhat further. 
Our conclusions as to the conscious moral agent and his 
relation to Right, will have additional clearness if we revert 
to the primary conception of accountability, which Extension of 
even in its simplest form has done so much for theana h sls - 
us ; and endeavour to ascertain it more exactly and fully. 
We cannot observe closely the details of human experience 
without perceiving that the idea of accountability or “ respon- 
sibility ” as it is more frequently called, is highly complicated 
in its uses. The difference of the two terms seems to Use of the 
be that the latter expresses the more abstract idea. 
“ Accountability ” describes the bare fact of our 
relation to certain persons, in certain circumstances ; “ Respon- 
sibility,” the prior truth, that such a relation is recognized as 
normal, and includes in it, as we have said, some idea of 
right. In whatever variety of forms we meet with the fact of 
human accountability, this idea of right ” is latent : but it is 
modified greatly by the subject-matter. 
34. W e have thus far spoken of the conscious agent as an 
individual ; but all conscious agents, as far as we know, have 
some dependence on others, and form parts of social systems 
very widely different. The obligations of the „ 
social system m which any oi us live are signified, m the social 
to us individually in many ways, — by tradition and system ’ 
custom, by contract and common faith, but most of all by 
law ; and thereupon we judge, and we act. Let us now speak 
of this last, viz. Law, as frequently comprehending the rest. 
35. There is here found a very broad distinction, which no 
observer can deny. There are some laws of society which 
we are responsible for obeying, in many ways ; and yet we 
wish they were abolished, and inwardly disapprove of them ; 
and there are other laws which we have a convic- v ar i 0U 9 kinds 
tion ought to be what they are. A good man, as of Responsibi- 
c 2 
