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469 BCE
SOCRATES (469-399 BCE)
Socrates was an Athenian Philosopher. He examined the foundational beliefs in Greece, sentenced to death by poison as his beliefs counter the way Athenian politics and society were going. Socrates believed that people choose wrong when the benefits exceed the costs. Mastering "the art of measurement" and correcting the distortions that skew one's analyses of benefit and cost is vital to personal ethics. For Socrates, "No one intentionally does evil, and wrongdoing results from ignorance"
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428 BCE
PLATO (428-348 BCE)
Plato is one of the greatest Philosophers in the world. Plato's objective was to challenge the notion of what goodness is for happiness in life. To Plato, practicing virtue is the best way to live a happy life. "Good actions give strength to ourselves and inspire good actions in others." He defined ethics as a concern to act rightly and live a good life.
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384 BCE
ARISTOTLE (384-322 BCE)
Aristotle in Arabic Philosophy is known as "The First Teacher" and "The Philosopher" in the west. Aristotle is concerned with the ethics of action, not with being right itself but conducive to man's goods. To Aristotle, virtues are good habits we acquire that regulate our emotions. In Aristotle's "The Golden Mean Principle," moderation is the key to a happy life.
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THOMAS HOBBES (1588-1679)
Thomas Hobbes gives importance to the law. He believes that chaos would result if the law were not abided by. The purpose of the law is to maintain peace and order. In business applications, businesses must abide by laws and government regulations. They must also create company policies to maintain discipline and order. Business organizations must promote the common good and the interest of the majority. Lastly, businessmen and managers must be law-abiding citizens.
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JEREMY BENTHAM (1748-1832)
Jeremy Bentham was the father of utilitarianism, which believes that actions should be judged right or wrong depending on the outcome if it increases or decreases human well-being. An act is considered good if it gives good results, works to make you successful, and makes you attain your purpose. If not, then the action is bad.