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, as highlighted by philosophers like Kant, who asserted that individuals must always be treated as ends in themselves. These philosophical frameworks provide valuable tools for evaluating modern dilemmas.
Using these principles to address today’s issues helps us tackle moral questions with greater care. How should corporations balance profitability with ecological stewardship? How should governments balance public health investment philosophy and personal freedoms? While philosophical thought may not yield quick answers, it empowers us to engage with these problems thoughtfully. Ethics continues to serve as our guide, steering us toward a more equitable and moral society.