How should I live? 15 answers that give different ethical teachings

How to live, something to strive for, something to hope for? All of us in the practical activities are guided by certain values. Layfhaker gathered 15 of the most influential ethical teachings, each one in his own answers to the eternal questions.

The doctrine of the golden mean Aristotle does not go to extremes

In any human action can be excess and deficiency. Moral will in between. For example, courage is the midpoint between recklessness and cowardice.

Hedonism: enjoy

Hedonism considers pleasure the supreme value of life. Not to be confused with the epicurean - the teachings of Epicurus, the ancient Greek, also extols the pleasure as the highest good, but I understand it as the absence of suffering.

The categorical imperative: act so that the maxim of your will could be a universal law

Simply put, people are always, regardless of the circumstances, must act in accordance with the ethical principles that could guide all members of society. For example, the duty to always tell the truth, even in a situation where a lie can save a life, a person has no right to lie.

Christianity: sin no more

Ethical teaching of Christianity is presented in the Ten Commandments. Mostly they are negative in form: that is, to conduct a correct way of life, enough not to commit sins.

Buddhism: do not suffer

The goal of Buddhism - to get rid of suffering, which is the essence of the universe. To this end, people must observe five virtues: the rejection of harm to living beings, stealing, adultery, lies and alcohol.

The golden rule of ethics: do unto others as would like them to do unto you

This rule in a particular formulation can be seen in a variety of cultures. It would seem that it is perfect, what other teachings? But that's not quite: the people something different. Probably what you would want for yourself, not for others.

Nihilism: Look, in accordance with the ideals of what lives most. deny them

All nihilistic movement in all its manifestations somehow negate the dominant morality. Anything positive in its place and may not be offered, the main thing here - the very negation.

Utilitarianism: act usefully

Actions that are useful, that is, contribute to an increase in human happinessThey are moral. Only here with the definition of happiness in utilitarian problems. After all, it can not be expressed as the number and presentation of it at all different.

Effective altruism: a better world

This modern altruistic concept, which stands for the scientific analysis of possible actions and choices are those that will lead to the best outcome for all.

Perfectionism: become better

According to perfectionists, the meaning of human life in continuous improvement. It includes the development of ethical qualities such as kindness, honesty, and so on.

Pluralism: Live as you like, but remember that others have a right to

Plurality involves the coexistence of different viewpoints and various ethical behavior patterns. You can stick to any of them, the main thing - to take other views and not to promote their position.

Eudemonism: Be happy

The highest human good - this is happiness. Actions, which contribute to its achievement, moral.

Rational egoism: think only of yourself, but do not forget that you need other

from ordinary selfishness rational egoism is different one: the claim that human activities that take place entirely in its interest, ultimately will not bring him satisfaction.

In the interest of each to consider the interests of others.

That is, the guy gives a girl flowers, but he gets a certain pleasure from it. Steal in such a frame of reference is also wrong because it is not profitable: the offender will be tormented by remorse or even will incur criminal penalties.

Consequentialism: think about the consequences of their actions

Criterion act of morality - is the result. That is, in certain situations, a lie is morally justified. Murder, too - for example, when euthanasia.

Collectivism: act for the good of the team

Interests of the collective is more important than the interests of the individual. Therefore, the actions that are aimed at the good of the team are more moral than actions aimed at achieving personal happiness.