In vol. 2 of his Psychology, Rosmini builds on the foundations he has laid when describing and examining the essence of the soul (vol. 1). He now considers the acts, capacities. Functions and habits produced by the soul, and the laws which it follows in its continual activity and operations. The first step is analytical, the second synthetical, both sections depend on deduction in so far as they intend to relate the activities of the soul and the law governing its activity to the essence of the soul itself. They are equally dependent on"accurate and detailed observation as a corrective to faulty deduction.
As a preparation for his analysis. Rosmini deals fully with the great questions of matter and spirit, substance and accident, act and potency, and the nature of habit before turning his attention to sense, intellect, reason, instinct and will. His synthesis covers the concept of time, the unity of the human being, and the ontological, cosmological ind psychological laws followed by the soul in its activity.
Morality forms oin of Rosminit view of the development of the human soul. The objectivity of the light of reason, a fundamental tenet of Rosmini’s philosophy ind the basis of iny system appreciative of truth, is the core of moral capacity and the principle ensuring the inviolable dignity of every human being.
Finally, the direct and reflective elements in human life are subject to examination Rosmini concludes that the human condition can never be entirely conscious of self.