Philosophy includes study of morals {ethics}.
questions
What is the best living style? What are good and evil? What responsibilities do people have? Which rewards and punishments work? Are thoughts and behavior determined by genetics and environment only, or can will, emotion, and thoughts operate independently when choosing? What effects do people have on universe and other people? What values do things and events have?
principles
Ethical theories can use "golden rule" or "categorical imperative". They can be about utility, such as "utilitarianism" with "greatest good for greatest number". They can be about what works best, such as "pragmatism", to make practical and effective decisions. They can depend on physical law, natural law, or "God's law". They can be about personal fulfillment or knowledge, such as "existentialism". They can depend on moderation or harmoniousness.
ethical development
Ethics develops as cognition develops. People first obey rules and authority, to avoid punishment. Then they conform, to get rewards and exchange favors. Then they conform, to avoid dislike and rejection or to be good. Then they conform, to avoid censure by authority, maintain order, or do duty. Then they follow shared rules and respect others' rights or follow required rules. Then they follow principles, standards, or conscience.
education
Education is necessary for effective ethics. People must know general principles by which to act. To understand action consequences and be aware of alternative actions, people must know world and people facts. People need to practice decision-making to apply facts and principles to situations correctly.
purpose in ethics
People do not necessarily know their purposes. They can have conflicting purposes. People can act to avoid pain, not to gain happiness. Accidents, body failures, or sickness can cause bodies to fail to take actions ordered by wills. Opposite courses can reach goals indirectly. Immediate goals can contradict farther goals.
time
Time affects ethics. One must act after short time. Taking too much time changes act. Taking too little time is irresponsible. Time does not allow thoroughly considering all factors and consequences. Therefore, time to decision must relate to action nature and importance.
values
Goods include order, experience intensity, security, variety, intelligence, wisdom, activity, peace, power, love, holiness, patience, calmness, unhurriedness, caring, oneness, enthusiasm, low anxiety, low egoism, worthy purpose, intimacy, and success. Values relate to emotions, such as pleasure. Values relate to personality and character. People can accept responsibility, be honest, be punctual, be objective, be tolerant, be open to new things and ideas, be creative, have self-respect, be self-confident, care for others, respect others, and have interest in others.
People typically agree about items to optimize, but differ on amounts, because they can conflict or compete for resources.
Minimize pollution. Maximize recycling and reuse. Minimize resources used. Minimize population level.
Maximize invention. Maximize diversity. Minimize extinction.
Maximize wealth and income. Maximize justice. Maximize equity. Maximize education. Maximize employment. Maximize health. Maximize nutrition. Maximize safety. Maximize security.
Minimize housing, food, health, heating, cooling, education, security, transportation, utilities, and insurance costs. Transportation is roads and cars. Utilities are water, sewer, trash collection, gas, electricity, and telephone. Insurance is for health, car, house, life, disability, liability, and old age. Minimize taxes.
Minimize interference with other people. Minimize crassness. Minimize greed. Minimize violence. Minimize prurience. Minimize psychologically damaging ideas and actions. Maximize compassion. Maximize tolerance. Maximize respect for others. Maximize openness. Maximize opportunity. Maximize cooperation.
Maximize happiness. Minimize sadness. Maximize pleasant experiences. Minimize unpleasant experiences. Maximize meaning in life. Maximize hope. Minimize hopelessness. Maximize love, intimacy, friendships, companionship, affection, and sexual pleasure.
Minimize anxiety and fear. Minimize hate and anger. Minimize frustration. Minimize irritation. Minimize conflict. Minimize crime.
Minimize boredom.
Maximize freedom. Minimize action restrictions. Minimize religion in government. Minimize government secrecy. Maximize peace.
Maximize transportation ease.
Maximize market fairness.
Social Sciences>Philosophy>Ethics
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Date Modified: 2022.0224