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The ultimate aim of Socrates' philosophical method is always ethical. Socrates believed that if one knows what the good is, one will always do what is good. Thus if one truly understands the meaning of courage, self-control, or justice, one will act in a courageous, self-controlled and just manner. -
Like most other ancient philosophers, Plato maintains a virtue-based eudaemonistic conception of ethics. That is to say, happiness or well-being (eudaimonia) is the highest aim of moral thought and conduct, and the virtues (aretê: 'excellence') are the requisite skills and dispositions needed to attain it. -
The ethics of Aristotle is concerned with action, not as being right in itself irrespective of any other consideration, but with actions conductive to ma’s good. Aristotle sets himself to discover what this good is and what the science corresponding to it is. (Copleston, 1993). Aristotle argued that virtues are good habits that we acquire, which regulate our emotions. -
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. -
The word utilitarian is derived from the Latin words utile bonum or utilis which means usefulness. The utilitarian ethics is beast explained by the maxim, “Do whatever produces the greatest good for the greatest number.” The theory argues that what makes an act right is its consequences and not the motive of action.