Sublimity (from Latin sublimis, "uplifted, high, elevated")
A quality of greatness or grandeur that inspires awe or reverence. Lewis discusses a waterfall labeled "sublime" and criticizes the view that such judgments are merely subjective, highlighting the importance of recognizing inherent value.
Emotivism (from Latin emovere, "to move out, excite" + English "-ism")
The philosophical stance that moral statements are simply expressions of emotional reactions rather than objective truths. For example, saying "murder is wrong" would mean "I feel anger when I think of murder." Lewis warns that this perspective undermines moral education.
Ordinate Affection (from Latin ordinare, "to arrange, order" + affectio, "feeling, disposition")
Refers to properly trained emotions that align with reason and objective morality. Lewis argues that cultivating ordinate affections is essential for virtuous behavior.
The Chest (metaphorical)
The seat of "trained emotions" that mediates between intellect (the head) and instinctual drives (the belly). Without it, humans lack the moral foundation necessary for virtue.
Geldings (from Old English gielding, "a castrated male")
Used metaphorically by Lewis to describe how modern education removes vital emotional training while still expecting students to act virtuously.
Analogue (from Latin analogia, "proportion, correspondence")
Something comparable to another to explain or illustrate a concept. Lewis frequently uses analogies, such as the head-chest-belly metaphor, to clarify abstract ideas.
Tao (from Chinese 道, dào, "the Way")
The universal moral law recognized across civilizations, encompassing objective values like truth, justice, and virtue. Lewis presents it as the foundation for ethical life.
Transcendental Values (from Latin transcendere, "to climb over, surpass")
Values such as truth, goodness, and beauty that exist independently of human opinion, forming the core of the Tao.
Novator (from Latin novator, "innovator, reformer")
A theoretical figure who attempts to create a new moral system outside the Tao. Lewis demonstrates that true morality cannot be invented—it must be grounded in universal principles.
Unilinear Progression (from Latin uni, "one" + linea, "line")
The notion that progress follows a single straight line, with the new automatically better than the old. Lewis rejects this idea, emphasizing that moral development grows from within established, objective values.
Filial Piety (from Latin filialis, "of a son or daughter" + English piety)
Respect and reverence for one's parents and ancestors, cited by Lewis as a recurring example of moral principles recognized universally.
Sui Generis (Latin, "of its own kind")
Describes something entirely unique, not comparable to anything else. Lewis uses it to show that rejecting the Tao represents an unprecedented moral deviation.
Vogue (from French vogue, "fashion, course")
Refers to what is popular or widely accepted at a given time. Lewis notes that trends may change, but objective values remain constant.
Subterfuge (from Latin subterfugere, "to escape, evade")
Deceit or trickery used to achieve an aim. Lewis warns that abandoning objective morality allows those in power to manipulate others through subterfuge.
Dogmatism (from Greek dogmatikos, "opinionated")
The rigid assertion of principles as incontrovertibly true. Lewis argues that rejecting the Tao can lead to dogmatic imposition of arbitrary values.
Posterity (from Latin posteritas, "future generations")
All future generations. Lewis emphasizes that moral choices made today have lasting consequences for those who follow.
