The Classical Philosophers and their Philosophies

Socrates

469 BCE

Socrates was a Greek philosopher from Athens who is credited as the founder of Western philosophy.
Socrates asserted that all human actions were driven by self-interest. He also argued that this instinct prevents people from intentionally harming themselves and that when people do harmful things, it is only out of ignorance; either not knowing what will benefit them the most, not knowing the correct method of attaining that benefit, or not knowing how not to do something.

Plato

428 BCE

Plato is viewed by many scholars as the most important Philosopher of Western civilization.
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.

Aristotle

384 BCE

In Arabic Philosophy, he was known simply as “The First Teacher;” in the West, he was “The Philosopher.”
Aristotle argued that virtues are good habits that we acquire, which regulate our emotions. For example, in response to a natural feeling of fear, one should develop the virtue of courage. Aristotle further argued that most virtues fall at a mean between extreme character traits. For instance, if one lacks courage, he will develop the disposition of cowardice.

Moral Positivism

1588

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.

Utilitarianism

1748

The English philosopher Jeremy Bentham is generally credited as the founder of modern utilitarianism.
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.