ITSP Lesson 1 - Ethics and Its History.pdf

Ethics: A Historical Journey
Ethics, the study of moral principles and values, has been a fundamental aspect of human thought and behavior for millennia. Its history is intertwined with the development of civilizations, religions, and philosophical traditions. This essay will explore the evolution of ethical thought, from ancient to modern times, and examine the key ethical theories that have shaped our understanding of morality.

Ancient Ethics
The earliest ethical systems emerged in ancient civilizations. In ancient Greece, philosophers like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle developed influential ethical theories. Socrates emphasized the importance of virtue and knowledge, believing that a virtuous life was the result of understanding what is good. Plato proposed a theory of forms, suggesting that true goodness exists in a higher realm and that earthly actions should be guided by these ideal forms. Aristotle, in his Nicomachean Ethics, focused on the concept of eudaimonia, or human flourishing. He argued that happiness is the ultimate goal of human life and that virtue is essential for achieving it.

In ancient Rome, Stoic philosophy emphasized the importance of living in accordance with nature and accepting one's fate. Stoics believed that virtue was the only true good and that external circumstances were beyond our control.

Religious Ethics
Religious traditions have also played a significant role in shaping ethical thought. In Judaism, the Ten Commandments and other biblical laws provide moral guidelines for believers. In Christianity, Jesus' teachings emphasize love, forgiveness, and compassion. Islamic ethics are based on the Quran and the Sunnah, which offer guidance on various moral issues.

Modern Ethics
The Enlightenment period brought about a shift in ethical thinking, as philosophers sought to establish moral principles based on reason and human experience rather than religious authority. Immanuel Kant developed a deontological theory, arguing that moral actions are determined by duty and that individuals should act in accordance with universal moral laws. Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill, on the other hand, advocated for utilitarianism, a consequentialist theory that holds that the morally right action is one that produces the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people.

In the 20th century, ethical debates became increasingly complex as societies faced new challenges, such as technological advancements, globalization, and environmental issues. Feminist ethics emerged as a response to the exclusion of women from traditional ethical discussions. It focuses on issues of gender equality, power dynamics, and care ethics.

Contemporary Ethical Challenges
Today, ethical questions continue to be relevant and pressing. Issues such as climate change, artificial intelligence, and social justice require careful ethical consideration. As technology advances, new ethical dilemmas arise, such as the implications of genetic engineering a

1. Lesson 1 – Social and Professional Issues in IT
Professional Lecturer

3. WHAT IS ETHICS?

Raymond Baumhart, a sociologist, surveyed
about people’s beliefs of what ethics is, and
here are the results:
"Ethics has to do with what my feelings tell
me is right or wrong.”
"Ethics has to do with my religious beliefs.”
“Being ethical is doing what the law
requires."
"Ethics consists of the standards of
behavior our society accepts.”

Reference:. I. Ethics and Problem solving 2021, https://core.ac uk/download/524531741 pf.
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12. SOCRATES

Socrates believed imposed the saying “an
unexamined life is not worth living”. Socrates
presupposes reason is essential for the good life.
= One's true happiness is promoted by doing
what is right.
= When your true purpose is served, you are
achieving happiness.
= Happiness is evident only in terms of a long-
term effect on the soul.
= Human action aims toward the good in
accordance with purpose in nature

16. GAUTAMA BUDDHA

Gautama Buddho’s four noble truths:
duhka, the suffering that is part of life.
all human suffering is caused by desire
that cannot be satisfied,
only be renouncing the desire could
the suffering be ended,
desire could only be relinquished by
following Noble Eightfold Path

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18. CONFUCIUS

Confucius primarily emphasized ethical
philosophy. Particularly preoccupied with
the establishment of a harmonious
society, he postulated that two human
qualities—ren and li.

ren - humaneness

li - acceptance of society

The golden rule of Confucianism is “Do not
do unto others what you would not want
others to do unto you.”

IMAGE SOURCE https; Jwwww bworidontine.com/wp=content/uploads/2021/09/DENISE-BOSSARTE-UNSPLASH pg

24. ETHICS AND

ITS HISTORY

MR. ROWELL L. MARQUINA '

Professional Lecturer,
Polytechnic University of the Philippines

Email Address:

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected] SIR WELL EDUCATION

[email protected] LEARN.GROW.ACHIEVE