Lectures on the Philosophy and Practice of Slavery As Exhibited in the Institution of Domestic Slavery in the United States, with the Duties of Masters to Slaves

"Lectures on the Philosophy and Practice of Slavery" by William A. Smith is a series of talks that tries to explain why slavery in the United States is okay. Written in the 1800s, the book takes on the difficult topic of slavery by attempting to provide reasons why it is morally acceptable, pointing to both the nature of society and the perceived state of Africans in America. The author, a college president, wants to explain the thinking behind slavery in response to people who wanted to end it. The writing begins by stating it will look closely at slavery, asking if it is fundamentally a sin. Smith recognizes that Southerners feel uneasy when talking about slavery, but insists it's important to honestly consider whether it is moral. He asserts that the ideas that say slavery is always wrong ignore the history and situation of African people, suggesting that control of one person by another is basic to all types of government. Smith tries to make the case that slavery can be defended and that it includes a moral duty to care for the enslaved population showing a complicated mix of morals, government, and social responsibility.