THE PHILOSOPHICAL FOUNDATIONS OF ETHICS: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF WESTERN AND EASTERN THOUGHT

Abstract

Ethics, the branch of philosophy that deals with morality, is a universal human concern that has been explored and debated for centuries. In this article, we will provide a comparative analysis of the philosophical foundations of ethics in Western and Eastern thought.Western ethics, with its roots in ancient Greece, is characterized by an emphasis on rationality, individualism, and universalism. Key concepts in Western ethics include natural law, virtue ethics, and deontology. Eastern ethics, with its roots in ancient China and India, is characterized by an emphasis on harmony, holism, and contextualism. Key concepts in Eastern ethics include Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism.Despite their differences, Western and Eastern ethics share a common goal: to promote human flourishing and well-being. By understanding the different philosophical foundations of ethics, we can gain a deeper appreciation of the diversity of human thought and the challenges and opportunities of living an ethical life in a globalized world.