The philosophical roots of development ethics

摘要

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present the philosophical roots of development ethics as a field of study with its interdisciplinary character.Design/methodology/approachThe conceptual and historical evolution of development ethics is unfolded through Aristotles philosophy.FindingsThe authors argued that Aristotles philosophy, incorporating the concepts of a good life and a good society, defines ethical development and influences contemporary development ethics.Originality/valueDevelopment ethics is a relatively new field of study within social sciences and determines the ethical perspective of development in a holistic and normative manner. It is important to understand the antecedents, pioneers and contemporary practitioners of development ethics and how they are related. Based on the authors knowledge, there has been limited research regarding the origins of the concept of a good society as a determinant factor of development. In this context, Aristotles philosophy incorporating the concepts of a good life and a good society is the founding determinant in the study of ethical development.