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600 BCE
MEET THE PERIODS
Ethical philosophy has a rich and diverse history that spans across cultures and time periods, with many different thinkers and schools of thought offering their own perspectives on these fundamental questions. In this timeline, Ethical Philosophies will be divided into four periods: Ancient, Medieval, Modern and Contemporary. -
600 BCE
THE INTRODUCTION TO ETHICAL PHILOSOPHIES
Ethical philosophy, also known as moral philosophy, is a branch of philosophy that deals with questions about morality, ethics, and values. It seeks to answer questions about what is right and wrong, good and bad, just and unjust, and what kinds of actions and behaviors are morally acceptable or unacceptable. Ethical philosophy examines different ethical systems and theories and seeks to provide a systematic and rational framework for understanding ethical questions and making moral judgments. -
Period: 600 BCE to 500
ANCIENT PERIOD
Ancient ethical philosophy is the branch of philosophy that deals with questions of morality and ethics during the period roughly from 600 BCE to 500 CE. Its focus was on understanding what is virtuous and good, and how individuals should live their lives in accordance with those values. Ancient ethical philosophy includes the ethical theories of well-known Western thinkers such as Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle, as well as Eastern philosophers like Confucius, who lived in China. -
551 BCE
Confucianism / Confucian Virtue Ethics by Confucius
Confucius' ethical philosophy emphasized cultivating moral character and pursuing virtue, with a focus on individual responsibility in society. Leading by example was preferred over force or punishment. The quote "Do not do to others what you do not want done to yourself" illustrates the importance of treating others with respect and kindness, based on empathy and reciprocity. Confucius believed ethical principles and treating others well could lead to a harmonious and prosperous society. -
470 BCE
Socratic Ethics by Socrates
Socrates believed that living a virtuous life requires constant self-reflection and examination of one's beliefs and actions. He emphasizes the importance of self-awareness in leading a meaningful and fulfilling life. This philosophy has had a profound impact on Western ethics and continues to inspire people to question their own values and beliefs. Socratic ethics prioritize self-awareness, moral reasoning, and critical thinking in leading a fulfilling and meaningful life. -
428 BCE
Platonic Ethics by Plato
Plato's ethical philosophy emphasizes the importance of cultivating virtuous habits through repetition to shape one's character. The quote "There is no harm in repeating a good thing" exemplifies this idea and reflects his belief that the pursuit of virtue is the highest good in life. Plato considered knowledge of the Forms to be the ultimate goal and believed that virtue was the key to achieving this knowledge. -
384 BCE
Aristotelian Ethics by Aristotle
Aristotelian ethics emphasizes developing good habits and character to achieve eudaimonia, or a state of flourishing. Virtues are acquired through repeated practice, not a single act. Moral excellence is a mean between extremes, striking a balance between excess and deficiency in actions and emotions. "We are what we repeatedly do" emphasizes the importance of habituation. -
Period: 401 to 1500
MEDIEVAL PERIOD
Medieval ethical philosophy emerged during the Middle Ages (5th-15th century CE) by blending classical philosophy and Christian theology, and addressing social, political, and religious changes, leading to the emergence of various philosophical and theological debates on ethics. Ideas from Augustine of Hippo and Thomas Aquinas contributed to the development of this period. It also addressed issues of social justice and political ethics, such as the relationship between church and state. -
430
Augustinianism or Christian Platonism by Saint Augustine of Hippo
Augustinianism emphasizes the idea of a transcendent God who is the source of all truth and goodness. Augustine believed that human beings could only achieve true happiness and fulfillment by seeking a life of virtue and righteousness. The quote "Right is right even if no one is doing it; wrong is wrong even if everyone is doing it," reflects his belief that morality is based on objective standards of right and wrong, which are determined by God and not by human opinion or popular consensus. -
1225
Thomistic Ethics or Natural Law Ethics Saint Thomas Aquinas
It emphasizes the idea that moral principles are based on reason and natural law, in God's divine plan. His quote, "The things that we love tell us what we are," reflects his belief that a person's character is shaped by their desires and loves, and that true happiness and fulfillment come from loving and desiring the good. He believed that virtues such as courage, justice, and prudence are essential for living a moral life and that the ultimate goal of human existence is to know and love God. -
Period: to
MODERN PERIOD
The Modern ethical philosophy period lasted from the 17th to the end-19th century, characterized by a focus on reason and scientific inquiry, individualism, skepticism, and secularism. Immanuel Kant and John Stuart Mill were prominent figures who explored moral obligation, reason and emotion, and the role of the individual in society. The period led to profound cultural and intellectual change as new ideas and perspectives challenged traditional beliefs, paving the way for modern ethics. -
Kantian Ethics or Deontological Ethics by Immanuel Kant
Kantian Ethics, also known as Deontological Ethics, emphasizes the importance of acting based on moral duty rather than consequences. Kant's famous quote, "Act only according to that maxim by which you can at the same time will that it should become a universal law," reflects his belief that ethical actions should be based on universal principles that could be applied to all individuals in all situations, and not just based on personal desires or self-interest. -
Ethical Utilitarianism by John Stuart Mill
This focuses on promoting the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people while respecting individual liberty. He believed that actions should promote happiness and reduce suffering, and that democracy and individual freedom were crucial for societal progress. One of his famous quotes is "Actions are right in proportion as they tend to promote happiness; wrong as they tend to produce the reverse of happiness." which highlights the morality of actions based on their impact on happiness. -
Period: to
CONTEMPORARY PERIOD
The contemporary period in ethical philosophy spans from the 20th century to the present day and is marked by diverse ethical perspectives such as consequentialism, deontology, virtue ethics, feminist ethics, and postmodern and postcolonial approaches. It focuses on social justice, environmental ethics, and global ethics, and utilizes interdisciplinary methods. Significant contributions have been made by philosophers such as Peter Singer and Martha Craven Nussbaum. -
Effective Altruism (Utilitarianism) by Peter Singer
Peter Singer advocates for effective altruism and a utilitarian approach to ethics. His quote "The life you can save is the life you can improve the most" reflects his belief that we have a moral obligation to reduce suffering and promote well-being, especially in the context of global poverty. Peter Singer argues that we should use reason and evidence to determine how to make the most positive impact with our resources, and that we should prioritize the needs of those who are most vulnerable. -
Capabilities Approach by Martha Craven Nussbaum
Martha Nussbaum's ethical philosophy centers around universal human capabilities and promoting human flourishing. Emphasizing the role of empathy and emotions in ethical reasoning, she advocates for enabling people to make choices about their lives and providing resources for those choices. Her quote, "The capabilities approach emphasizes...resources to realize those choices" highlights the importance of promoting individual agency for fulfilling lives.