Ethical Principles in the Modern World

The ancient Greeks believed that moral character was developed through proper training. With the correct education one would develop a strong moral sense, leading to right behaviour, pure thought and hence, to contentment. Several models of virtue and ethics were developed by Greek philosophers in the fifth century Before the Common Era (B.C.E.). These models of Ethikos referred to the more broadly understood concept of one?s moral character, inherent in all men, and were intended to aid in the development of that character through guidance. In modern times ethical codes have proliferated in the professions and have become both prescriptive and restrictive. This paper discusses this proliferate development in the twentieth century, the need for ethical codes and conflicts within ethical theories.