Philosopher and their Ethical Philosophies

By cocomel0n
  • 469 BCE

    SOCRATES (469–399 B.C.E)

    SOCRATES (469–399 B.C.E)
    The ultimate aim of Socrates' philosophical method is always ethical. Socrates believed that if one knows what good is, one will always do what is good. Thus if one truly understands the meaning of courage, self-control, or justice, one will act in a courageous, self-controlled and just manner. (http://www.sophia-project.org/uploads/1/3/9/5/13955288/russo_socrates1.pdf)
  • 428 BCE

    PLATO (428-348 B.C.E)

    PLATO (428-348 B.C.E)
    Plato maintains a virtue-based eudaemonistic conception of ethics. That is to say, happiness or well-being (eudaimonia) is the highest aim of moral thought and conduct, and the virtues (aretê: ‘excellence’) are the requisite skills and dispositions needed to attain it. (https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/plato-ethics/)
  • 384 BCE

    ARISTOTLE (384-322 B.C.E.)

    ARISTOTLE (384-322 B.C.E.)
    Aristotle follows Socrates and Plato in taking the virtues to be central to a well-lived life. Like Plato, he regards the ethical virtues (justice, courage, temperance, and so on) as complex rational, emotional, and social skills. (https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/aristotle-ethics)

  • UTILITARIANISM (18th CENTURY)

    UTILITARIANISM (18th CENTURY)
    Utilitarianism is an ethical theory that determines right from wrong by focusing on outcomes. It is a form of consequentialism. Utilitarianism holds that the most ethical choice is the one that will produce the greatest good for the greatest number. (https://ethicsunwrapped.utexas.edu/glossary/utilitarianism)

  • MORAL POSITIVISM (EARLY 19th CENTURY)

    MORAL POSITIVISM (EARLY 19th CENTURY)
    Hobbes' moral positivism anticipates the chaotic outcome if laws are not abided by. We all believe that the purpose of the government is to protect the rights of the 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).