Philosophy and Ethics

Contractarianism theories say that ethical principles stem from a social contract where people agree on rules for mutual benefit. It focuses on rational self interest within the agreed upon framework.

Virtue ethics looks to do virtuous traits like honesty, courage, and compassion to guide ethical decisions. Virtue ethics focuses on character rather than rules or consequences.

Utilitarianism advocates to do things that give you happiness instead of ones that make you sad. Also it judges the ethics of one's actions by the outcome, so the ends justify the means.

Deontology judges if a choice is ethical or not by the intention behind it and argues that actions are right if they adhere to one's moral duties and obligations.

Confucius believed that an ethical existence could exist through the cultivation of virtuous individuals as the practice of ethical relationships. Those relationships are these:Father to sonOlder brother to younger brotherHusband to wifeElderly to younginsRuler to subjectHis views on ethics were very hierarchical.

Hindu ethics is derived from your Dharma (duty), Karma (cause and effect), and Moksha (liberation). Key values include non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, self discipline, and non-possessiveness.

The Eight Fold Path goes like this:Right understanding: understanding the 4 noble truths (life is suffering, suffering involve a chain of causes, suffering can stop, there is a path to fix the suffering)Right intention: commit to self improvementRight speech: do not slander, speak the truthRight action: Be peaceful, don't steal, don't kill.Right livelihood: avoid jobs that exist to harm, like weapon manufacturing, military member, or police officer.Right effort: free your mind of bad placesRight mindfulness: develop awareness of the body and mindRight concentration: meditate and focus on the mind

Unlike Plato, Aristotle viewed ethics on the individual level. He believed that ethics looks different for everyone and should be achieved by looking at your surroundings and reflecting and adjusting.

Plato believed ethics could be achieved through rational thought and reasoning. He argued that getting philosophical wisdom allows reason to rule and create an ethical person.

Stoicism, which has gained popularity recently with young men, is the belief that events in life are predetermined and the only thing we control is how we react to them.

Epicureanism is similar to cynicism but less extreme, they advocate for simple living, moderation, and rational thought.

Cynicism says that the way to achieve a good life is not through material things but by living a simple, virtuous life in harmony with nature.

Treat others how you wish to be treated.

Thou shall have no god before meThou shall not make idolsThou shall not say the lords name in vainRemember Sabbath day and keep it holyHonour your father and motherThou shall not murderThou shall not commit adulteryThou shall not stealThou shall not bear fake witness on thy neighbourThou shall not be covet

Do not say their is another godBe kind to your parentsDo not murder your childDo not do shameful actsDo not kill anyone unless they have been through due process of lawProtect the rights of those who may be unfortunateBe fairBe unbiasedKeep to ones promiseFollow the straight path of god

Do not deny godDo not speak bad about godDo not murderDo not do illicit acts of sexDo not stealDo not eat from a live animalCreate legal system to enforce the laws.

Respect: Place others before you and be mindful of nature around you.Love: You must love yourself before you love those around youTruth: Be true to yourself and reflect on yourself before othersBravery: Defend what you believe is right even when you are in a time of uncertainty Wisdom: Being wise gives you the ability to be open minded and listen to others ideasHonesty: Be honest with yourself and others.Humility: Be humble and act selflessly