Fundamental Concepts and Classifications in Moral Philosophy

Definitions of Ethics

Ethics is defined in several ways:

• "Ethics is the logical state of the language of morality."
• "It is the science of man's moral behavior in society, whose object is the raw material and morality."

Miguel Reale: "If ethics is the doctrine of the value of human conduct and which aims to achieve this value, our science is only one way to update values or experience."

Moral Absolutism Versus Moral Relativism

Moral Absolutism and Moral Relativism are two antagonistic currents regarding the nature of ethical norms.

Moral Absolutism

Absolutism proclaims that the validity of ethical norms is timeless. It proposes universal and objective morality, asserting that the knowledge of ethical rules is a priori.

Moral Relativism

Relativism believes that the ethical norm is purely conventional and changeable. It asserts that knowledge of ethical norms is an empirical matter, preaching the existence of multiple moralities and subjectivism.

For the relativist, values are based according to a highly personal condition; that is, the good is the result of subjective creation.

Immanuel Kant on Ethics

Kant stated: "People are always the ultimate goal and never be used as if they were instruments, means, or alternatives to achieve other goals."

Classification of Ethical Theories

1. Empirical Ethics

   This approach involves the observation of facts and the study of human behavior based on what man actually does, not what he should do.

   • Empirical Anarchist Ethics

     Man must obey the impulses of nature. We must follow our nature naturally without blockages imposed by standards developed by others (i.e., no rules). Adherents absolutely reject the state.

   • Empirical Utilitarian Ethics

     What matters is behavior whose purpose is useful. Moral life is understood as the prudent use of means suitable for achieving morally valuable purposes.

   • Empirical Skepticism

     Skeptics refrain from any judgment. They do not know if an action is right or wrong and therefore do not take any position.

2. Axiological and Value-Based Ethics

   This category is divided into:

   • Eudaemonism: The search for the happy life.
   • Ethical Idealism: Focusing on doing good.
   • Hedonism: Happiness is found in pleasure.

3. Formal Ethics

   Formal ethics is concerned with the cause of action. The norm is the conscience of society—that is, at heart, the rule is within each one of us.

4. Ethical Values and Legal Relationships

   This perspective focuses on the legal relationship (standard, law) inherent in ethical values.

5. Ethics of the Supreme Good

   This is the search for the Supreme Good, the greatest good that man can achieve.

Neoconstitutionality

Neoconstitutionality aims to look into reality, making the Constitution effective by moving its text beyond merely rhetorical status (meaning it is not just theoretical) and becoming more effective, especially in the prospect of achieving fundamental rights.