The most popular, on the basis of most widespread, is the oriental "middle way" philosophy which seeks contentment for mankind through balance between the internal mind and the external world. This philosophy is shared between most Asian cultures including the monotheist religions, i.e, Islam, Judaism and Christianity.
At it's core is the need to control 'desire'. Its precepts are the virtues of wisdom, ethical conduct, and mental discipline, and its simple instructions are these -
Right views - understanding the virtue of selflessness and the danger of desire
Right intentions - aiming high and denouncing hatred and lust.
Right conduct - do not contemplate murder, or theft, and respect chastity.
Right speech - speak wisely, truthfully, meaningfully, usefully and without gossip
Right livelihood - take an occupation that is useful and does nobody harm.
Right effort - showing goodwill and charity toward others
Right mindfulness - keeping ones mind aware and active.
Right concentration - meditation, thoughtfulness, and control over the stimuli of pain and pleasure.
Just how deeply people believe this ethic, how faithfully they follow it, and just how much they are influenced by the external trappings, is anybody's guess. But one thing is certain and that is that it hasn't caught on in the Occident.
Sadly in the west ethics comes fairly low down in our hierarchical needs.
2007-05-26 22:33:55
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answer #1
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answered by Ynot 6
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All religious and subjective philosophies as well as all major political parties in the world hold the principle of Altruism (self-sacrifice) as the moral ideal.
2007-05-26 11:40:49
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answer #2
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answered by Mr. Wizard 4
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It is Called ME, ME,Me philosophy. It proposes that there was nothing beyond ME, there is nothing beyond ME, and there won't be anything beyond ME.
2007-05-26 09:52:41
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answer #3
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answered by Anonymous
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