As the modern world becomes more fast-moving and interconnected, ethical issues are increasingly common. From decisions about AI and privacy to climate change and global inequality, the lines between right and wrong can feel increasingly blurred. Philosophy offers a guiding light, helping us untangle these complex issues and navigate them with clarity.
Ethics, at its core, is about determining what we ought to do. Utilitarianism, for example, suggests we act in ways that maximise happiness for the greatest number. Despite its clarity, utilitarianism sometimes opposes values like human rights, a concept central to Kant’s philosophy, which stresses respecting each person’s inherent dignity. Such schools of thought offer practical tools for addressing today’s moral complexities.
Applying philosophical frameworks to modern-day problems enables deeper reflection on ethics. Should businesses prioritise profit or sustainability? Can governments effectively weigh business philosophy public safety against personal rights? Philosophy doesn’t offer easy answers, but it equips us with the critical thinking skills to tackle these questions head-on. Even in today’s challenging times, ethics acts as our beacon, encouraging progress toward justice and fairness.