Major Ethical Philosophies

SOCRATES (469-399 BC)

469 BCE

• Athenian Philosopher

"No one commits an evil act knowingly and doing wrong arises out of ignorance." Socrates was famous for this quote as this set out an awakening to humans. People often neglect their moral values when it comes to their personal desires and interests. In Business, this is most common for businessmen who become greedy and commit evil most especially if it outweighs the consequences.

PLATO (428-348 BC)

428 BCE

• Known as the scholar and the most important philosopher in western civilization

"It is only by being virtuous that we can hope to be happy" - a favored quote of Plato that the majority applies not only to their businesses but to their personal lives as well. In business, this is often referred to as actions with morality present. This represents how virtue can give us humans hope to live in worth living life, as we are expected to act rightly and live a good life.

ARISTOTLE (384-322 BC)

384 BCE

• The First Teacher in Arabic Philosophy

"At his best, man is noblest of all animals; separated from law and justice, he is the worst" - one of many quotes Aristotle was known for. It is also driven to his "The Golden Mean Principle' which refers to, to be happy, we have to live a life of moderation. In business, this refers to if we cannot limit ourselves in terms of behavior and desires, problems within ourselves and our peers may arise in the future which may be too late for us to fix.

THOMAS HOBBES (1588-1679)

1587

• Most known for Moral Positivism.

"Humans are basically selfish creatures who would do anything to improve their position" This statement may not speak for every being but it does in a small scale. Similar to what Socrates claimed, humans are to willingly sacrifice anything just to get receive their desires. Hobbes, also stated that people would act on their evil impulses when left alone; Hence, we are more likely to commit evil as we crave our desires more when left alone with our thoughts.

JEREMY BENTHAM (1748-1832)

1748

• A Jurist and Political Reformer.

"Do whatever produces the greatest good for the greatest number". We may not perceive it, however, we have been using utilitarianism in our daily lives. In business, this is one of the bases of the decision-making of every company. It is significant to always consider the effect of consequences in every plan of a firm for this may or may not affect the firm for a long period of time.