Ralph Cudworth

Ralph Cudworth was a 17th-century philosopher known for his contributions to moral philosophy and deontological ethics, which focuses on the morality of actions based on rules and duties rather than consequences. He argued that moral truths exist independently of human opinion and that humans have an innate sense of right and wrong. Cudworth believed in the importance of reason and rational thought in understanding moral obligations, emphasizing that ethical behavior stems from adhering to these moral laws rather than merely seeking personal gain or avoiding harm. His work laid foundations for later ethical theories that value duty and principles.