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469 BCE
SOCRATES
Socrates’ focus on ethics was intended to generate practical outcomes. He expected philosophical work might lead to a change in both attitudes and (importantly) actions of people. In turn, this was intended to produce effects in the world. Although we have only come to see Socrates through the eyes of others, his friends (like Plato) and foes (like Aristophanes) agree he wished to have an impact on the people around him and the kind of society they were creating as a result of their choices. -
428 BCE
PLATO
For Plato, ethics comes down to two basic things: eudaimonia and arete. Eudaimonia, or "well being," is the virtue that Plato teaches we must all aim toward. The ideal person is the person who possesses eudaimonia, and the field of ethics is mostly just a description of what such an ideal person would truly be like. (Plato's Beliefs on Ethics) -
384 BCE
ARISTOTLE
Aristotle defines moral virtue as a disposition to behave in the right manner and as a mean between extremes of deficiency and excess, which are vices. We learn moral virtue primarily through habit and practice rather than through reasoning and instruction. -
UTILITARIANISM
Utilitarianism is one of the most powerful and persuasive approaches to normative ethics in the history of philosophy. Though not fully articulated until the 19th century, proto-utilitarian positions can be discerned throughout the history of ethical theory. It is generally held to be the view that the morally right action is the action that produces the most good. (History of Utilitarianism) -
MORAL POSITIVISM
Hobbes’ moral positivism anticipates the chaotic outcome if laws are not abided.
We all believe that the purpose of the government is to protect the rights of its people,
preserve justice and enforce the laws. It is a must for every nation to have someone who
would manage and administer them. Hence, the creation of laws and the obedience of its
subjects are important in the order and maintenance of peace in countries (Roa, 2007).