Reader 5: Ethics - Initial thoughts

This post is merely for me to put out my thoughts on the reader first time round (I aim to follow Adesola's 'cycle' process). I apologise if my ramblings don't make much sense but hopefully some clarity my arise.

The word 'ethics' originates from the greek word 'ethos' meaning character. Moral philosophy is at the roots of ethics and concerns itself with the right or wrong way to carry out actions.

Throughout time ethics has evolved to centre itself from delivering a civil society to a more religious approach. Both focus on what is right and wrong.

Aristotle considered ethics to be based around the character of an individual (this relates to the greek origins of ethos):

What makes a person good? 

What virtues do they hold?

The difference between the two is the first can be intermittent traits such as: helping others, the second is a solid trait such as: honesty - you are either an honest person or you are not. INDIVIDUAL ETHICS

Kant (1779) believes you should behave in accordance with moral principles. Everything is black and white. Whatever, the situation it cannot be twisted to suit.

JS Mill (1861) works towards the idea that the means justify the end. Direct contrast to Kant where under no circumstance should a lie be told.

Hobbes (1651) viewed ethics as social contract. Everyone should follow a set of moral rules. Working on the understanding that rational people will accept the 'contract' on the premise that everyone else will for mutual benefit.