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551 BCE
Confucius: Confucianism
The Confucianism emphasizes that the key to a well-ordered society was the cultivation of individual moral character and the practice of ethical behavior in all aspects of life, and the importance of filial piety, respect for authority, and the cultivation of personal virtues such as benevolence, righteousness, and wisdom. Confucianism also includes a set of social and political ideals that emphasize the importance of social harmony, order, and stability. -
470 BCE
Socrates: Socratic Method
In Socratic Method, Socrates would ask a series of questions that were designed to challenge his interlocutor's beliefs and assumptions. He would often begin by asking simple questions, and then gradually move towards more complex and challenging questions. Through this process, he would help his interlocutor to identify their own contradictions and inconsistencies and to develop a deeper understanding of the topic being discussed. -
427 BCE
Plato: Theory of the Forms
According to the Theory of the Forms, there is a realm of abstract objects or ideas that exists beyond the physical world, and these abstract objects are more real than the physical objects that we perceive with our senses. Plato believed that the realm of Forms is eternal, unchanging, and perfect, whereas the physical world is temporary, constantly changing, and imperfect. -
384 BCE
Aristotle: Virtue Theory
The Virtue Theory is a branch of ethics that emphasizes the importance of developing good habits, or virtues, in order to lead a morally good life. According to virtue theory, being a good person is not simply a matter of following rules or fulfilling duties, but rather it involves cultivating qualities such as honesty, compassion, courage, and wisdom. The goal of virtue theory is to help individuals become better people and to promote a more virtuous society. -
1225
Saint Thomas Aquinas: Natural Law Theory
The Natural Law Theory is a philosophical and ethical view that posits the existence of a universal moral law that is inherent in nature and accessible to human reason. According to this theory, moral principles and values are not arbitrary or subjective but are based on objective facts about the nature of the world and human beings. -
Immanuel Kant: Deontology
The Deontology is a moral theory that focuses on the inherent rightness or wrongness of actions, rather than their consequences. It is based on the idea that certain actions are inherently good or bad, and that individuals have a duty or obligation to act in accordance with moral rules or principles. Deontologists believe that morality is grounded in reason and that moral principles are universal and applicable to all people, regardless of their personal desires or circumstances. -
Jeremy Bentham: Utilitarianism
The Utilitarianism is a moral theory that aims to maximize overall happiness or well-being by evaluating actions based on their ability to produce the greatest amount of good for the greatest number of people. Jeremy Bentham believed that the moral value of an action can be measured by the amount of pleasure or happiness it produces, and that the goal of morality is to maximize overall happiness in society. -
Max Stirner: Ethical Egoism Theory
Stirner's Ethical Egoism Theory believed that the only moral duty an individual has is to pursue their own self-interest and that any obligations to others are merely artificial constructs imposed by society. He believed that individuals should be free to act on their desires and interests, without being constrained by external moral codes or obligations. -
John Rawls: Justice Theory
The Justice Theory is a moral and political philosophy that is focused on the concept of justice and fairness in society. It is concerned with questions such as what constitutes a just distribution of resources and opportunities, how to ensure that individuals are treated fairly in legal and social contexts, and what obligations individuals and institutions have to promote social justice. -
Robert Merrihew Adams: Divine Command Theory
According in Adams' Divine Command Theory, moral obligations are grounded in the commands of a loving God who desires the well-being of his creatures. Adams argued that God's commands are not arbitrary, but are based on his love for his creatures and his desire to promote their flourishing. He argued that God has revealed his commands through various means, such as sacred texts, religious traditions, and the teachings of prophets.