WH Day 1- 1 Semester

Moral and Ethical Principles in

Ancient Greek and Roman
Philosophy, Judaism, and

Christianity

DAY 1

Introduction to Ancient Greek Philosophy:

Ancient Greek philosophy emerged in the 6th century BCE and had a profound influence on Western thought.

Key philosophers:

●Socrates (469-399 BCE): Emphasized the importance of self-examination and the pursuit of wisdom
through questioning (Socratic method). He believed in the existence of absolute truths and moral absolutes.

●Plato (427-347 BCE): Explored the nature of justice, the ideal state (Republic), and the concept of
philosopher-kings. Plato believed that knowledge and reason should guide political systems.

●Aristotle (384-322 BCE): Focused on ethics, emphasizing the development of virtues through rational
thinking. He believed in the concept of the "golden mean" and that humans should strive for a balanced and
virtuous life.

Multiple Choice

Who were the key philosophers associated with Ancient Greek philosophy?

•  Moses and David

•  Cicero and Seneca

• Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle

• Confucius and Laozi

Introduction to Ancient Roman Philosophy:

Roman philosophy was heavily influenced by Greek philosophy, but also added
practical and political dimensions.

Key philosophers:

●Cicero (106-43 BCE): Advocated for natural law, which suggests that certain
ethical principles are inherent in nature and can be discovered through
reason. Cicero emphasized the importance of justice and the rule of law.

●Seneca (4 BCE-65 CE): Stoic philosopher who emphasized personal virtue,
self-discipline, and the pursuit of wisdom. Seneca's writings focused on the
moral and ethical aspects of individual conduct.

Moral and Ethical Principles in Judaism:

Judaism is one of the oldest monotheistic religions, with a strong emphasis on
ethics and moral responsibility.

Key principles:

●The Ten Commandments: Foundational moral guidelines given to Moses,
including principles such as honoring parents, not stealing, and not bearing
false witness.

●Social justice: The concept of pursuing fairness, charity, and righteousness in
society, with a focus on helping the poor, widows, orphans, and strangers.

Multiple Choice

What are some key principles in Jewish ethics?

•  The Golden Rule and social justice

• The teachings of Jesus Christ

• The importance of natural law

• The pursuit of knowledge

Moral and Ethical Principles in Christianity:

Christianity emerged as a major world religion based on the teachings of Jesus
Christ and the principles outlined in the Bible.

Key principles:

●Love and compassion: Christianity emphasizes the importance of loving one's
neighbor, showing kindness, and practicing forgiveness.

●The Golden Rule: The principle of treating others as you would like to be
treated, which promotes empathy and moral conduct.

Comparative Analysis:

Commonalities:

Emphasis on virtues and moral conduct.

Recognition of the importance of justice and
fairness.

Differences:

Sources of authority (divine revelation in Judaism
and Christianity vs. human reason in Greek
philosophy).

Concepts of the afterlife and salvation

(Christianity's focus on redemption vs. Greek and
Roman philosophies' focus on virtuous living in the
present life).

Comparative analysis involves examining similarities and differences among the moral
and ethical principles in ancient Greek and Roman philosophy, Judaism, and Christianity.

Multiple Choice

What is a commonality between ancient Greek and Roman philosophy, Judaism, and Christianity?

• Emphasis on natural law

• Rejection of moral responsibility

• Advocacy for individual rights

• Support for totalitarian government

Match

Match the following

• Natural law

• Government

• Golden Rule

• Individual rights

 Theory that posits a set of inherent principles governing human behavior based on nature

The governing body or authority that exercises political control over a community or society.

The principle of treating others as you would like to be treated.

The rights considered to be inherent to individuals, such as liberty and equality.

•  Theory that posits a set of inherent principles governing human behavior based on nature

• The governing body or authority that exercises political control over a community or society.

• The principle of treating others as you would like to be treated.

• The rights considered to be inherent to individuals, such as liberty and equality.