Principles of Ethics

Principles of Ethics
The Principles of “ethical life”- the ways to identify life-style and position
Asceticism: a neglect of sensational and material world for the sake of spiritual world.
To make a finest human being;
To divide body from soul;
To be able to contemplate.

Principles of Ethics
2. Egoism (lat.) – a life position based on one’s interests and neglects others’ ones. It is a natural feature, dominating among men in personal and social level.
An extreme form of individualism;
Increases during crisis and emergencies;
18th century: “healthy egoism”

Principles of Ethics
3. Altruism (by O. Comte) is an ethical principle making a human being to act for other people’s benefit. Opposite to egoism.
Huge role played by religion, family, etc.;
Is it genetic? Is it artificial?
Altruism contributes to Ethics/morality/norms.
Mercy, solidarity, justice – are signs of Altruism.

Principles of Ethics
4. A-moralism and immoralism.
- A-moralism is a deny of moral standards and norms. Questions most of the principles of the existing morality. Often serves a certain interest (for example, a communist morality). N. Machiavelli: “the aim justifies the means”.

Principles of Ethics
Immoralism. Also a rejection of morality existing, but often to propose a new one.
- F. Nietzsche, K. Leontyev.

Principles of Ethics
5. Utilitarianism (lat.) – usage and benefits one can obtain. Uses satisfaction and happiness as main criterion.
6. Pragmatism (Greek) – a successful actions, was contributed largely by American philosophers. Has practicism and Protestant’s ethics at once.

Principles of Ethics
7. Nihilism (lat.) close to immoralism.
But the main difference: rejection often comes not from egoism, etc., but from a total disappointment.

MORAL CONCEPTS
Morality: from the Latin word “mores” ? customs or manners
Ethics: from the Greek word “ethos” ? character
Morality is a corpus of norms (values and rules) shared by a group of individuals. Morality is that corpus of norms to which we refer when it is necessary to make a decision involving different courses of actions
Ethics is that branch of philosophy dealing with the nature of morality and reflecting on the ideas of good/bad and right/wrong

Principles of Ethics
Evolution of ethical thought:
Ancient East;
Ancient Greece;
Ancient Rome;
Medieval times;
New times;
Modernity.