Ethics as “Practical Philosophy”

The Subject and Specific Nature of Ethics as a Science

Ethics stands as the central core of philosophy, providing it with a gateway into the practical realities of life. In the tradition established by Plato's Academy, the primary function of ethics has always been to serve as a practical science.

The term "ethics" originates from the Greek language, tracing its meaning back to the word "ethos" (ἦθος), which was used in various senses:

• as a place of communal living, a dwelling, a human home, the lair of a beast, or a bird’s nest;
• as custom, character, disposition, or the enduring nature of a given phenomenon.

"Ethos" expresses that a person's actions are deemed right according to their upbringing, origin, and habits. Character, virtues, and a person’s way of thinking are shaped by the customs and traditions of the community. Here, we observe the connection between values and the actions that arise from them, not blindly, but from deep conviction.

The ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle (4th century BCE) derived the term "ethikos" from "ethos," designating a special class of human qualities—ethical virtues, which are inherent to a person’s character and temperament, as well as their spiritual qualities. According to Aristotle, virtues are not given to a person by nature; they are acquired through learning, become habitual, and are perfected over time. Later, the philosopher introduced the term "ethics" (ἠθική) to denote the science that studies human actions and virtues.

In due course, Cicero (1st century BCE) translated the Greek "ethos" into Latin as "mos" (custom, order, character), forming the adjective "moralis"—moral, which he used to signify a certain group of human virtues. The term "morality" thus came to be employed both in reference to moral philosophy and its subject matter.

Hence, etymologically, the terms "ethics" and "morality" share the same origin, and their meanings coincide. However, over the course of historical development, these terms began to be understood in different ways.

Ethics reveals, justifies, and explains the nature, essence, place, and significance of morality in the development of both the individual and society. It coordinates the study of morality with other sciences that directly engage with the human being.

By examining morality in its historical development, ethics analyzes the ideas that underpin the highest good and possess value-based precedence. It considers which qualities of human character are deemed virtues, what customs, traditions, social habits, and norms of behavior can be morally justified, and what cannot. It also addresses how moral attitudes shift during times of value crisis, and what must be done to improve human relationships.

The term "ethics" designates the science whose subject of study is morality as an imperative and evaluative mode of human relation to reality, which governs human behavior through the fundamental opposition of good and evil. This definition encompasses several essential characteristics of morality: it reflects a societal demand, expressed through public opinion and conscience; it evaluates behavior in relation to the fulfillment (or non-fulfillment) of moral demands by an individual; it considers not only relationships between people but also with the world as a whole; and it presents good and evil as absolute coordinates of morality.