The central concept in Aristotle's ethics is "virtue." His ethical
inquiry began with an empirical investigation of what it is that the human being fundamentally desires. One strength
of his ideas is that they are grounded on very real situations, covering actual activities and pursuits of men.
According to Aristotle, happiness is man's highest good. But while some people would identify
bodily pleasures like food, drink, among others, as the defining factors of happiness, Aristotle insisted that it should instead
be understood in terms of man's distinctive function.
For him, life of reason is the happiest.
JOHN STUART MILL'S UTILITARIANISM
When a man regards a particular human action as good or bad depending upon
whether or not the said human action brings happiness, then he subscribes to Utilitarianism.
Utilitarianism is popularly known as the "greatest happiness principle." It holds that happiness
is the very yardstick of morality. Those actions that bring happiness are considered morally right while those actions
that inhibit happiness are considered morally wrong.
IMMANUEL KANT'S CATEGORICAL IMPERATIVES
Kant's concept of what is good totally contravenes Mill's Utilitarianism. Kant adheres to the
philosophical belief that only good will can be considered "good" per se or without qualification.
An act is good not because of certain consequences that occur in its performance, or on the basis
of its end-result, but because of the "willing" that accompanies the act.
Kant considers the human being as an end in him/herself.
Most Appealing Finalist Theory
I find Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics as the most appealing finalist theory.
One searches for an end different from that which other desires. There is an instrumental end, which
is a means to another end. There is the final end, which is inherently good but is either embraced or rejected for something
greater, the supreme end.
I believe that supreme end is living a good life. It is a life, not based on any riches, fame
or power, but on doing what our Creator wills.
Most Predominant Finalist Theory
Mill's Utilitarianism predominates the world of computing.
Many times we hear people say these:
"I want to be happy."
"I am happy with this, then this is good."
"Do whatever makes you happy."
Most people choose to do what they think would make them happy. Money, honor and satisfaction
are among the things people believe as the things which bring happiness.
But being happy doesn't necessarily mean being morally right.
