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Major Ethical Philosophies

  • 469 BCE

    Socrates (469 - 399 BC)

    Socrates (469 - 399 BC)
    An Athenian Philosopher who said that "no one commits an evil act knowingly and doing wrong arises out of ignorance," which means that someone who commits evil things is someone who is ignorant and lacks knowledge. He also believes that "he who is not contented with what he has, would not be contented with what he would like to have." It is about a battle between contentment and desire. The quote is an eye-opener to everyone on what it truly takes to be content and happy with our lives.
  • 428 BCE

    Plato (428 - 348 BC)

    Plato (428 - 348 BC)
    A Greek Philosopher who is a student of Socrates and best known as the "Father of Idealism." His ethical philosophy is about the good traits of an individual. Do unto others the thing that you want others to do unto you. For example, if you want people to be kind to you, then you need to be kind to others and inspire them to do good actions, for it is only by being morally good for you to be truly happy.
  • 384 BCE

    Aristotle (384 - 322 BC)

    Aristotle (384 - 322 BC)
    A Greek Philosopher and Scientist who is a student of Plato. He believes that something extreme is not good for our life and we must avoid it. His ethical philosophy teaches everyone to live a life of moderation. Aristotle also emphasizes the role of virtues in concerning an individual's actions and emotions. An example of this is the feeling of fear that requires a virtue of courage that allows them to be strong in times of danger.
  • Thomas Hobbes (1588 - 1679)

    Thomas Hobbes (1588 - 1679)
    An English Philosopher and one of the founders of modern political philosophy. According to him, people are selfish for who would do anything, even evil acts, just to improve their lifestyles and positions. He believes that someone who will manage and administer a nation is a must. It is important for it will protect and bring peace to the countries, where his ethical philosophy is about moral positivism which shows that if laws are not abided it will prevent the possible chaotic outcomes.
  • Jeremy Bentham (1748 - 1832)

    Jeremy Bentham (1748 - 1832)
    An English Philosopher who is regarded as the founder of modern utilitarianism. His ethical philosophy is utilitarianism which tells that an action should be for the best of everyone and not only for you. It also means that the consequences will benefit others, not only you. For example, your good relationship and actions with your customer will benefit the whole store and other staffs for it will result in a good image of the business and will bring more customers.
  • John Stuart Mill (1806 - 1873)

    John Stuart Mill (1806 - 1873)
    An English philosopher and one of the most influential thinkers in the history of classical liberalism. He associated utilitarianism together with Jeremy Bentham. This philosophy is about morality, which advocates actions that foster happiness or pleasure and opposes actions that cause unhappiness or harm. Utilitarianism aims for the betterment of society as a whole. It says that an action is right if it results in the happiness of the greatest number of people in a society or a group.