GNED 02 - Philosophy, Ethics, Morals, and Rules

Philosophy

From *philos* (love) and *sophia* (wisdom), meaning “love of wisdom”; a devotion to attaining truth, like a lover cherishing what is most precious.

Philia

A form of love that seeks truth.

Lovers of Pleasure

Individuals classified by Pythagoras as those who seek enjoyment.

Lovers of Success

Individuals classified by Pythagoras as those who pursue achievements.

Lovers of Wisdom

Individuals classified by Pythagoras as superior, seeking truth for its own sake.

Essential Definition of Philosophy

The search for meaning and ultimate reality, examining life to form guiding principles, and studying existence and reality’s mysteries.

Philosophy and Science

The relationship between philosophy and scientific inquiry.

Philosophy and History

The connection of philosophy with historical understanding.

Philosophy and Mathematics

The link between philosophy and mathematical reasoning.

Philosophy and Religion

The interplay between philosophy and religious beliefs.

Importance of Philosophy

Develops a cultured, well-rounded individual, enhances comprehension, systematization, and critical thinking, provides perspectives for addressing ethical problems, and guides decision-making and understanding of self and others.

Logic

A major discipline in philosophy dealing with correct reasoning.

Epistemology

A major discipline in philosophy focused on knowledge and its scope.

Metaphysics

A major discipline in philosophy examining existence and reality.

Aesthetics

A major discipline in philosophy concerned with beauty and art.

Cosmology

A major discipline in philosophy studying the universe as a whole.

Theodicy

A major discipline in philosophy addressing the problem of evil in relation to God.

Social Philosophy

A major discipline in philosophy analyzing society and social behavior.

Ethics

A major discipline in philosophy focused on principles of conduct.

Ethics (Notion)

From Greek *ethos* (way/custom); a practical science teaching how humans ought to live.

Human Freedom

An imperative of ethics stating that freedom allows responsibility; without freedom, ethics collapses.

Responsibility

An imperative of ethics where actions imply accountability.

Existence of God

An imperative of ethics serving as the foundation for moral choices.

Immortality of the Soul

An imperative of ethics where belief in life after death gives meaning to good deeds and sacrifices.

Morals

From Latin *mos* (customs); customs set by society.

Ethics (Definition)

From Greek *ethikos* (character); concerned with individual right/wrong conduct.

Importance of Rules

Necessary to organize relations, define right vs. wrong, enable goals, regulate institutions, and serve the common good.

Morals (Definition)

Social, cultural, and religious beliefs practiced over time to direct people toward what society considers right or wrong.

Examples of Morals

Do not cheat, be loyal, be patient, tell the truth, be generous.

Ethics (Branch of Philosophy)

The study of conduct principles guiding choices between good and bad actions.

Truthfulness / Honesty

An ethical principle serving as the basis for societal order.

Loyalty

An ethical principle referring to devotion to a cause and fairness in agreements.

Respect

An ethical principle recognizing that every person has intrinsic moral worth.

Fairness

An ethical principle emphasizing equity, justice, and stewardship.

Integrity

An ethical principle involving honesty and fairness in dealings.

Morals

Right/wrong, dictated by society, general guidelines, may vary by culture, static, less applied in business.

Ethics

Good/evil, chosen by the individual, situation-specific, universal, flexible, widely applied (e.g., business ethics).

Moral Standards

Norms based on moral principles guiding right and wrong.

Non-Moral Standards

Rules unrelated to ethics or morality.

Examples of Non-Moral Standards

Etiquette, fashion standards, game rules, house rules, some religious rules, laws, and traditions.