The Philosophers and Their Theories - Assignment Example

Aristotle thought that human life has a purpose and proper function to do, which provides happiness to the individual. This he termed as the purpose of human beings. It was achieved by using one’s reason and logic. Kant used the example of honest shopkeeper. The honest shopkeeper was considered a moral person because he was honest out of inclination. The shopkeeper feels that being a moral and ethical person brings him better reputation more business and profits. John Stuart Mill argued that human beings are capable of experiencing ‘higher pleasures’ as well as ‘lower pleasures’.

In order to differentiate he stated that the higher pleasures produce better quality and more quantity of pleasure or happiness. While on the other hand, the lower pleasures tend to be more selfish in nature. According to Locke, the life of an individual is governed by reason and ‘the reason’ happens to be the basic driving force behind the state of nature. Locke came out with the thought that reason teaches us not to harm another in his life, liberty, health or possession. He further added that transgressions will invite punishments.

Hobbes and Locke both happened to be renowned social contract theorists, but their views differ in several aspects. For example, while Locke believed that man is by nature a social animal, Hobbes thought it otherwise and suggested that ‘society could not exist except by the power of the state.’ In my opinion, Kant’s Ethical Theory stands out as one of the best. While on the one hand, this theory talks about the Goodwill, on the one hand, rationality and morality are also described as integral components of human behavior.

Kant advances the argument that the outcome of our actions cannot be accurately predicted, but the intent which goes behind the action has the potential to terminate the task as good.