Major Ethical Philosophies

  • Ancient Greek Ethics (500 BCE - 300 CE)
    500 BCE

    Ancient Greek Ethics (500 BCE - 300 CE)

    This period was marked by the works of prominent philosophers like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle. Their ideas laid the foundation for ethical theories in the Western world. Socrates is known for his contributions to the development of ethical thought, particularly his emphasis on self-knowledge and the pursuit of wisdom as the key to living a good life.
  • The Introduction of Confucianism
    479 BCE

    The Introduction of Confucianism

    Confucianism is a Chinese ethical and philosophical system that emphasizes the importance of social relationships, morality, and ethics. Its teachings were developed by Confucius and Mencius. He believes that "It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop."
  • The Founding Figure of Western Philosophy
    469 BCE

    The Founding Figure of Western Philosophy

    Socrates is known for his contributions to the development of ethical thought, particularly his emphasis on self-knowledge and the pursuit of wisdom as the key to living a good life.
    According to him, "The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing."
  • Aristotle's Ethical Philosophy was introduced
    384 BCE

    Aristotle's Ethical Philosophy was introduced

    Aristotle's ethical philosophy emphasized the importance of living a virtuous life in order to achieve happiness. He believed that the key to ethical behavior was to find a balance between excess and deficiency in all things. "We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit."
  • 350 BCE

    Stoicism (3rd Century BCE - 3rd Century CE)

    The Stoics believed that virtue was the only true good and that external goods, such as wealth and power, were ultimately unimportant. It emphasized the importance of self-control and the acceptance of fate in achieving a good life.
  • The Founding of Epicureanism
    341 BCE

    The Founding of Epicureanism

    Epicureanism was a school of philosophy that originated in Athens during the 4th century BCE. It emphasized the importance of pleasure and the avoidance of pain in achieving a good life. The Epicureans believed that the pursuit of pleasure should be tempered by reason and that happiness was ultimately attainable through the cultivation of wisdom and friendship.
  • Virtue Ethics

    This ethical theory emphasizes the importance of cultivating virtues like honesty, compassion, and courage in achieving a moral life. Its prominent advocates include Alasdair MacIntyre and Martha Nussbaum.
  • Utilitarianism

    Utilitarianism

    This ethical theory was developed by Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill. It posits that the moral worth of an action is determined by its usefulness in promoting happiness or pleasure for the greatest number of people.
  • Kantian Ethics

    Kantian Ethics

    This ethical theory was developed by Immanuel Kant. It emphasizes the importance of reason and rationality in determining moral duties, and holds that moral principles should be universal and applicable to all individuals.
  • Alasdair MacIntyre and Martha Nussbaum

    Alasdair MacIntyre and Martha Nussbaum are two prominent philosophers who have made important contributions to the fields of ethics and political philosophy. Both philosophers have been influential in shaping contemporary debates in ethics and political philosophy, and their work continues to inspire new research and insights in these fields.
  • Existentialism

    This philosophical movement emphasizes individual freedom and the importance of personal choice in shaping one's life. Its prominent advocates include Jean-Paul Sartre and Friedrich Nietzsche.
  • Jean-Paul Sartre and Friedrich Nietzsche

    Jean-Paul Sartre and Friedrich Nietzsche

    Jean-Paul Sartre and Friedrich Nietzsche are two well-known philosophers who have made significant contributions to existentialist philosophy. Sartre emphasizes the importance of personal responsibility and the ability of individuals to create their own meaning, while Nietzsche focuses on the importance of overcoming societal norms and achieving personal greatness through the will to power.