La historia de la ética, desde la Edad Antigua hasta el Siglo XX

The Evolution of Ethics

Origins of Ethical Thought

• Ethics began with the first humans recognizing right from wrong, leading to a quest for justifying actions.

• Ancient Greece marked a significant development in ethical philosophy, with thinkers like Plato and Aristotle questioning the morality of their gods.

• The Middle Ages saw ethics intertwined with religion, primarily through Catholic philosophers. This shifted during the Modern Age with Kant's contributions.

Branches of Ethics

• Current scholarship divides ethics into normative theory (studying good and evil) and moral theory (exploring the essence and origin of morality).

• Ethics is defined as a philosophical branch examining human behavior concerning concepts like right/wrong, good/bad, happiness/duty.

Historical Context

• Early humans established values and norms that dictated behavior; non-compliance led to punishment. Examples include moral codes in Ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia, such as The Book of the Dead and the Code of Hammurabi.

• The emergence of ethics coincided with societal changes during slave-owning periods, emphasizing morality alongside abstract moral norms found in Greek literature.

Contributions from Ancient Philosophers

Plato's Perspectives

• In works like Gorgias, Plato critiques hedonism; in Phaedo, he emphasizes life after death's importance for ethical living; while La República discusses justice within individual ethics and public ethics.

Aristotle's Ethical Framework

• Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics posits that every individual seeks happiness (eudemonic ethics), asserting that fulfilling one's natural functions leads to perfection. He argues that moral actions must be freely chosen rather than obligatory ones.

Stoicism vs Epicureanism

• Stoics advocated for a moderate, virtuous life while Epicureans emphasized seeking pleasure as central to ethical living during Ancient Greece.

Medieval Philosophy

• Despite being labeled a dark age, the Middle Ages were rich in philosophical discourse through scholasticism which merged Christian doctrine with classical philosophy principles aimed at achieving ultimate good for happiness.

Saint Augustine and Saint Thomas Aquinas: Foundations of Medieval Ethics

Key Contributions of Saint Augustine and Saint Thomas Aquinas

• Medieval Philosophers: Saint Augustine of Hippo and Saint Thomas Aquinas are highlighted as pivotal figures in medieval philosophy, particularly in ethics.

• Aquinas' Summa Theologica: Aquinas dedicated the second part of his work to ethics, integrating Aristotelian thought with Christian moral doctrine.

• Concept of Happiness: For Aquinas, happiness is equated with God, establishing a framework for understanding true morality through eternal law.

• Natural Law Principles: He posits that natural law includes inherent moral principles found within humans, such as the idea that "good is to be done and evil avoided."

Transition to Modern Ethical Thought

Evolution from Classical to Modern Philosophy

• Influence of Classical Theories: Modern philosophers sought to revive classical ethical theories while still influenced by medieval scholasticism.

• Immanuel Kant's Impact: Kant represents a significant shift in modern ethics, arguing that morality must be based on the moral imperative rather than merely seeking happiness.

• Critique of Utility Principle: Kant contends that the principle of utility cannot serve as the sole criterion for determining correct actions.

Marxist Ethics and Social Class

Karl Marx's Perspective on Morality

• Morality and Social Function: Marx associates morality with social class dynamics, suggesting each class possesses distinct moral beliefs shaped by their societal roles.

• Aim for Equality: He argues that morality should strive towards creating an egalitarian society by eliminating conditions that lead to exploitation.

20th Century Ethical Developments

Diverse Philosophical Currents

• Vitalists and Existentialists: These movements emphasized personal responsibility and choice in ethical considerations during the 20th century.

• Max Scheler's Phenomenology: Scheler contributed significantly by developing a phenomenological approach to values within ethical discussions.