Since the dawn of time there have been stories used to help teach the values of ethics. Whether these be from religious texts such as the Bible and the Quran which, at their core, are meant to reflect values of respect, love for thy neighbor, justice and fidelity or other forms of literature. As we start this conversation on the topic of Ethics, it is only appropriate to begin where the word originated. The English word ethics is derived from the Ancient Greek word thikós, meaning relating to ones character, which itself comes from the root word êthos meaning character, moral nature. As far back as Ancient Greece in the 5th century BC there were writings of Aesop we have tales which were used in the forum of thought. In this center of culture and learning there were professors of philosophy who used these texts to flesh out morals. Thus by doing so, would therein help create a dialogue of common
core values which they could raise above and set as examples in this rapidly expanding and developing part of the world. These tales, expanded upon by his flock of philosophers, were later translated into Latin by Phaedrus, and soon by countless others throughout the world.
The first printed version of Aesops Fables in English was published in March 484, by William Caxton.2 Around this time, and up into the 8th century, these fables were primarily used by those such as preachers and teachers in the school houses. It was the philosopher John Locke in his writings Some Thoughts Concerning Education (963) which he offered a new way to view these stories. Writing that while Aesops fables are &apt to delight and entertain a child. . . [they] afford useful reflection to a grown man. And if his memory retain them all his life after, he will not repent to find them there, amongst his manly thoughts and serious business.