Why do societies define certain actions as morally wrong — and where do our ethical obligations truly come from? This thought-provoking webinar explores the philosophical foundations of legal ethics through the ideas of some of history’s most influential thinkers. From Socrates and Aristotle to Hobbes, Hume, Aquinas, and Dostoevsky, participants will examine competing theories about the origins of morality, justice, duty, and ethical behavior.

Designed for legal professionals, academics, students, and anyone interested in the philosophical foundations of law and ethics, this session connects classical ethical theory to modern legal reasoning and professional responsibility. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how ethical systems shape legal frameworks, social order, and contemporary debates surrounding justice, morality, and human conduct.

Key Topics Discussed:

• The philosophical foundations of legal ethics
• Socrates and ethical realism
• Protagoras and ethical nominalism
• Thomas Hobbes and social contract theory
• David Hume and ethical subjectivism
• Ruth Benedict and cultural relativism
• Fyodor Dostoevsky and divine command theory
• Aristotle and virtue ethics
• Thomas Aquinas and natural law theory
• The relationship between morality, law, and society
• Competing theories of ethical responsibility and justice
• How ethical frameworks influence modern legal systems and professional conduct