Ethics: A Historical Overview PDF

Distinction between ethics morals and lawsEthics refers to the systematic study of moral principles ,values and standards that guide behavior.it often stems from external sources such as professional guidelines, societal standards, or religious beliefs Historical overview of ethical thought Ancien...

Distinction between ethics morals and lawsEthics refers to the systematic study of moral principles ,values and standards that guide behavior.it often stems from external sources such as professional guidelines, societal standards, or religious beliefs Historical overview of ethical thought Ancient Ethics -Aristotelian Virtue Ethics -Moral virtues like courage and temperance are cultivated through habit and reflection. Virtue ethics emphasises character rather than rules or consequences as central to ethical thinking. The goal is to become a certain kind of person are who acts virtuously out of a cultivated nature(Aristotle ,1984) Ancient Ethics Confucianism -fOUNDED by Confucius in ancient China, this ethical system places importance on virtue and proprietary in personal and government morality Medieval Ethics Aquinas -Thomas Aquinas integrated christian theology with Aristotellian philosophy In his Summa theologica , he presents the idea that humans guided by reason and faith can ascertain and act upon the natural law a divine moral order ingrained in the world“ Medieval Ethics - St. Augustine posited that humans are inherently sinful due to the original sin but can seek redemption through God’s grace. Early Modern Ethics - Kantian Deontology - Immanuel Kant , in his “Critique of Practical Reason ”, developed a duty-based ethical system. - He proposed the categorical imperative. Early Modern Ethics Utilitarianism - Proposed by thinkers like Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill, utilitarianism posits that the best action is the one that maximises utility, typically defined in therms of happiness or pleasure. Contemporary Theories -Existentialism EXistentialist thinkers like Jean-Paul Satre and Friedrich Nietzsche believe that individuals are free agents in a universe devoid of predetermined meaning. Contemporary Theories Care Ethics -Arising as a feminist critique of traditional ethics, care Ethics ,championed by thinkers like Carol Gilligan and Nel Noddings. -Emphasises relationships ,empathy , and caring as foundational to moral action Rules and Ethics - Rules farm the bedrock of organised societies offering a structured way to navigate complex Interpersonal dynamics Benefits of rules and its implications for ethics 1. Structure and order -BenefitL rules provide structure and create order within societies or groups , They help in establishing a predictable and harmonious environment Benefits of rules and implications of ethics 2. Guidance for Behavior -Benefit: Rules serve as guides for appropriate behaviour ,helping individuals understand the boundaries of their actions. Benefits of rules and its implications for ethics. 3.Protection of Rights Benefit: Rules can protect the rights of individuals, ensuring that everyone is treated fairly and with dignity. Benefits of rules and its implications for ethics. 4. Conflict Resolution -Benefit :Rules provide frameworks for resolving disputes and conflicts in a structured manner. -Ethical implication :Conflicts are settled based on established principles rather than arbitrary decisions, ensuring fairness and justice. 5.Accountability and Responsibility -Benefit: Rules establish clear responsibility and consequences for misbehaviour help maintain accountability -Ethical implication: By enforcing consequences individuals are reminded of their ethical obligations and held accountable for their actions , which promotes a culture of responsibility 6. Promotion of common good Benefits : rules often aim to promote the common good ensuring that individual actions don;’t harm the collective welfare 7. Prevention of Harm - Benefit:Many rules are designed to prevent harm , either to individuals or to the environment.. 8. Cultural and MORAL EDUCATION BENEFIT: Rules , especially those rooted in cultural or religious traditions, can serve as a means of moral education , transmitting values from one generation to the rest. CONCLUSION In conclusion rules not only facilitate the smooth functioning of society but also embed ethical principles between theoretical moral values and their practical application.