ions in the common object to which they
refer and toward which they converge. The method of approximating
agreement is discussion; which is the attempt of each of two knowers to
avail himself of all the organs {66} and instruments of knowledge
possessed by the other. Discussion involves mutual respect, in which
each party acknowledges the finality of the other as a vehicle of
truth. This, I believe, is that moral equality, that dignity and
ultimate responsibility attaching to all rational beings alike, without
which justice cannot be fulfilled.

Justice, then, embraces these two ideas. In the first place, in
estimating the goodness or evil of action, merely personal or party
connections must not be admitted in evidence. In the second place, the
deliberate judgment of any rationally minded individual is entitled to
respect as a source of truth. Conflict must in the last analysis be
overcome by the congruence of impartial minds. Hence the justification
of reciprocal respect among persons who think honestly; and of a public
forum to which all shall have access, and where business shall be
transacted under the vigilant eye of him who is most concerned. A
candid mind is the last court of jurisdiction. So long as the
procedure of society is questioned or resented by one honest
conscience, it is lacking in complete verification, and its findings
are open to doubt.

{67}

V

Enough has already been said to show that the goodness of action must
be determined with reference to nothing less than the totality of all
affected interests. For this highest principle I have reserved the
honored term, _good-will_. Neither you nor I can reasonably decline to
consider the bearing of our actions on any interest whatsoever. Right
conduct, since it is inconsistent with the least ruthlessness, must
inevitably in the end assume the form of humanity and piety.

I know that it is not customary to suppose that devotion to the service
of mankind is rational; it is taken to be gratuitous, if not quixotic.
But once let it be granted that goodness accrues to action in
proportion to its fruitfulness, it follows that that action is most
blessed that is dedicated without reservation to the general life.
There is only one course which can recommend itself to that fair and
open mind to which I conceive myself to be addressing this appeal:
namely, so to act in fulfilment of the interest in hand, as either to
promote or make room for all o