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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. The effects or consequences determine
the goodness or badness of an action. An act is good if and when
it gives good results, if it works, if it makes you successful, and
if it makes you attain your purpose. Otherwise, it is bad. -
Thomas Hobbes believes that human beings are
basically 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. In
addition, Hobbes felt that like people, nations are selfishly
motivated. For him, each country is in a constant battle for
power and wealth. -
The development of personal ethics is
mastering what he called “the art of measurement,” correcting the distortions that skew
one’s analyses of benefit and cost. According to Socrates, “no one commits an evil act knowingly and doing wrong arises
out of ignorance.” A person will commit only moral evil if he lacks moral knowledge.
Sometimes, a person may have knowledge but he deliberately commits an evil act to satisfy
his hidden motive. -
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Ethics is referred to as a concern to act rightly and live a good life. Plato’s main
concern is to challenge the views most people have about goodness, for it is here that they
go disastrously wrong in trying to live happy lives. Most people think that virtue is a minor
good, or even an impediment to living a happy life. Plato considers this to be incorrect; it is
only by being virtuous that we can hope to be happy. -
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The ethics of Aristotle is concerned with action, not as
being right in itself irrespective of any other consideration, but
with actions conducive to man’s good. Aristotle sets himself
to discover what this good is and what the science
corresponding to it is. -
