Major Ethical Philosophies

Socrates

469 BCE

Socrates was an Athenian Philosopher whose questions
and opinions clashed with the current course of Athenian
politics and society.

Plato

428 BCE

Plato ranks among the greatest philosophers of
the world, and is viewed by many scholars as the
most important Philosopher of Western civilization.

Aristotole

384 BCE

Aristotle argued that virtues are good habits that we acquire, which regulate our
emotions. For example, in response to a natural feeling of fear, one should develop the virtue
of courage, which allows a person to be firm when facing danger or fear.

Thomas Hobbes

1679

Believes that human beings are
selfish creatures who would do anything to improve
their position. According to Hobbes, people would act on their
evil impulses if left alone for themselves; therefore, they
should not be trusted to make decisions on their own.

Utilitarianism

1863

The word utilitarian is derived from the Latin words
utile Bonum or utilize which means usefulness. Utilitarian
ethics is best explained by the maxim, “Do whatever produces
the greatest good for the greatest number.” The theory argues
that what makes an act right is its consequences and not the motive of the action.