Ethics and Aesthetics Notes

Morality deals with basic concepts like good vs. bad, right vs. wrong, duty, and obligation.
Moral theories vary in their interpretations and emphasis on these concepts.
Early views, like those of Plato and Aristotle in ancient Athens, linked the good person and the good society.
Their discussions covered goodness, right and wrong, justice, injustice, and character virtues/defects (courage, cowardice etc.).
Morality now extends to personal behavior and global concerns.
The capacity to see issues in moral terms may originate with the philosophical question, "What ought I to do?"
Infants first encounter morality unconsciously when making choices based on needs.
Awareness of others' interests acts as a constraint, leading to moral development.
Moral philosophy explores the source of moral life and grounds it theoretically.
Morality can be equated with established codes of behavior (Ten Commandments, Sermon on the Mount, Islamic Sunna).
Etymology: "ethics" (Greek ethos) and "morals" (Latin mores) are connected to customs and behavior.
Moral codes can be subject to moral criticism; morality searches for something with inherent substance and standing.
In Plato's Republic, Thrasymachus argues justice is in the interest of the strongest; similar to Marx, Nietzsche, and postmodernists.
Socrates argues common morality aligns with human nature, connecting morality and personal happiness.

Modern secular philosophers often say religion cannot provide a basis for morality.
Religion depends on the moral judgment of God's goodness.
Founding morality on religion is seen as circular: to account for God's goodness requires prior moral conception.
Major religions are closely associated with systems of morality.
Religion involves "following" and "believing"; ethical codes are vital.
The question is whether individuals should follow faith precepts.
In a world divided by religion, people seek moral answers that cut across cultures and religions.

Plato's Republic features Socrates in fictional debates about the ideal state.
Thrasymachus: Justice is in the interest of the strongest, enforced by law.
Socrates' interlocutors suggest people would commit immoral acts if they could avoid punishment.
Socrates questions these assumptions, arguing justice is essential to happiness.
He argues moral rules align with human nature, so people don't need to choose between morality and happiness.

In 18th-century England, the debate was about whether morality came from “sentiment” or “reason.