teorias y concepciones eticas History Timeline and Biographies

Socrates and the Birth of Ethical Inquiry

Socrates initiated the tradition of ethical inquiry, emphasizing the importance of self-examination and the pursuit of virtue. His dialectical method laid the groundwork for later ethical theories by questioning moral assumptions and seeking definitions of virtues.

Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics

Aristotle's work introduced the concept of virtue ethics, focusing on the character of the moral agent rather than on rules or consequences. His emphasis on achieving eudaimonia (flourishing) through virtuous living became foundational for later ethical theories.

Stoicism and Ethics

Stoic philosophers like Seneca and Epictetus developed ethical theories emphasizing rationality and self-control. They taught that virtue is sufficient for happiness, influencing later conceptions of ethics and moral philosophy.

The Magna Carta and Ethical Governance

The Magna Carta established principles of justice and fairness, influencing modern ethical conceptions related to governance and individual rights. It marked a shift towards the idea that ethical considerations should govern the actions of rulers.

Hobbes and Social Contract Theory

Thomas Hobbes proposed that moral obligations arise from social contracts. His theories contributed to the development of consequentialist ethics, focusing on the outcomes of actions for the collective good.

Kantian Ethics and Deontology

Immanuel Kant introduced deontological ethics, emphasizing duty and adherence to moral laws. His categorical imperative established a framework for evaluating moral actions based on their adherence to universal principles, shaping modern ethical thought.

Utilitarianism and the Greatest Happiness Principle

Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill developed utilitarianism, arguing that the best actions are those that maximize happiness for the greatest number. This consequentialist theory significantly impacted ethical decision-making in various fields.

Existentialism and Ethical Individualism

Philosophers like Sartre and Kierkegaard emphasized individual choice and responsibility, reshaping ethical theories to focus on personal authenticity and subjective moral experiences, influencing modern ethical conceptions.

Feminist Ethics and Care Ethics

Feminist philosophers introduced care ethics, highlighting the importance of relationships and empathy in ethical decision-making. This perspective challenged traditional theories that often prioritized abstract principles over relational contexts.

Environmental Ethics Emergence

As awareness of environmental issues grew, ethical theories began to incorporate ecological considerations. This marked the development of environmental ethics, emphasizing the moral responsibility towards nature and future generations.

Global Ethics and Cosmopolitanism

With globalization, ethical theories began to address global justice and human rights. Philosophers like Peter Singer advocated for a cosmopolitan approach, arguing for moral consideration beyond national boundaries, shaping contemporary ethical discourse.

Bioethics and Medical Ethics Development

The rise of bioethics in response to advances in medical technology and research brought forth new ethical dilemmas. Theories in this field focus on issues such as consent, autonomy, and the moral implications of medical practices.

Artificial Intelligence and Ethics

As AI technology advances, ethical theories are increasingly applied to questions about machine decision-making, accountability, and the implications of AI on society. This contemporary issue highlights the ongoing evolution of teorias y concepciones eticas in a digital age.