Moral Philosophy

Plato

true happiness equals realization of the forms, soul harmony

Aristotle

humans as rational, political animals, purpose of eudaemonia (human flourishing). Happiness equals activity of the soul and virtue over time

Kant Deontology

morality is about duty based on rational universal laws. Morality equals doing what is right

Mill Utilitarianism

morality equals maximizing happiness and minimizing suffering

Trolley problem

brought new ideas of:

• doing vs. allowing

• intending vs. foreseeing

Teleological explanations

state exists for a purpose

Hobbes Leviathon

fear and desire for safety lead to the consensual formation of the state. No law equals chaos

Mill Liberalism

freedom is sacred but harm to others justifies the legal limits

Locke’s liberalism

individual rights and private property. Labour equals ownership

Marx against capitalism

consciousness depends on material life