The Ethics of Confucius

Aristotle's classic inquiry into happiness, virtue, and the good life, in W. D. Ross's standard translation. The foundation of virtue ethics and still the starting point for any study of moral character.

Aristotle

Spinoza's masterpiece, set out like a geometry book, argues that freedom and happiness come from understanding our emotions and our place in nature. Translated by R. H. M. Elwes.

Baruch Spinoza

Mill's short, readable defense of the greatest happiness principle. He explains what utility means, answers the classic objections, and ties justice to the general good.

John Stuart Mill

Hume's own favorite among his works. He argues that morality rests on sentiment rather than reason, and traces our approval of virtues like benevolence and justice to their usefulness and agreeableness.

David Hume

Before The Wealth of Nations, Adam Smith explained morality through sympathy and the impartial spectator. A foundational work on conscience, virtue, and how we judge ourselves and others.

Adam Smith