The Ethical Foundation of the Five Precepts

Abstract

This academic article presents a study of the ethical principles that are the foundation of the Five Precepts. Ethics is the science that seeks the highest good in human life. It seeks criteria for judging human behavior as right or wrong, good or bad, proper or inappropriate, and considers the problem of the state of moral values. It mentions three principles: (1) ethical values, (2) ethical ideology, and (3) ethical criteria. The Five Precepts are practices that create normalcy by refraining from evil deeds, both physical and verbal, for the sake of peace and tranquility in society. The Five Precepts consist of (1) not killing animals as a guarantee of life; (2) not stealing as a guarantee of property; (3) not engaging in sexual misconduct as a guarantee of family; (4) not telling lies as a guarantee of society; and (5) not drinking alcohol and intoxicants as a guarantee of intelligence. Therefore, in summary, the Five Precepts are considered a guarantee of life, creating stability for humans in their present life. Those who act according to the Five Precepts will experience benefits for themselves and society. The criteria for judging violations of the Five Precepts lies primarily in the doer's intention. Ethics is therefore the foundation of the Five Precepts. Ethics discusses the value of behavior. The value of human life, ideology, and ethical criteria for judgment, while the Five Precepts are basic human practices that enable practitioners to be good people for peaceful coexistence in society. The method of observing the Five Precepts is explained according to the values, ideology, and criteria for judgment that are consistent with ethics. Therefore, if we look at ethics, it is like the foundation of stability and peace, and the Five Precepts are like methods of practice to ensure stability and peace in society.