Comparative ethics catalogue

Ethical Codes and Paths

A comparative catalogue of commandments, precepts, vows, virtues, duties and paths from religions, spiritual traditions, philosophical schools and secular ethical systems.

44 codes and paths
328 individual rules and steps
24 traditions represented
28 explanatory articles

What this catalogue records

Ethical traditions do not all take the form of commandments. Some prescribe laws or vows, some cultivate virtues, and others describe an ordered path of practice or character development. This section records each framework on its own terms while making careful comparison possible.

Every code or path can contain individually researched pages for its constituent rules, principles or steps. Those pages distinguish source wording from translation and editorial paraphrase, explain historical context and traditional interpretation, identify disputes, and examine practical and ethical implications.

Coverage and editorial method

The long-term aim is broad international coverage across major and minor religions, denominations, spiritual paths, Indigenous and traditional systems, philosophical schools and secular ethical movements. The catalogue does not claim completeness while research is still in progress.

Canonical text, later commentary, customary practice and Truth By Reason analysis are kept distinct. Similar themes are linked for comparison without assuming that two traditions give the same words the same meaning or authority.

Clear

Ethical codes and paths

Principles

Amsterdam Declaration 2022

Four official principles presenting humanism as ethical, rational, fulfilment-oriented and a non-dogmatic source of meaning and purpose.

Tradition: Secular Humanism

Authority: Philosophical

Published rules or steps: 4

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Ethical teachings and laws

Bahá’í Ethical Teachings and Laws

A framework combining Bahá’í religious laws with teachings on prayer, fasting, truthfulness, equality, consultation, service, peace and the unity of humanity.

Tradition: Bahá’í Faith

Authority: Traditional

Published rules or steps: 9

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Precepts

Daoist Five Precepts

Five widely taught religious Daoist restraints concerning killing, theft, sexual misconduct, false speech and intoxicants.

Tradition: Taoism

Authority: Traditional

Published rules or steps: 5

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Principles

Eight Beatitudes

Eight declarations praising humility, mourning, meekness, righteousness, mercy, purity, peacemaking and endurance under persecution.

Tradition: Christianity

Authority: Scriptural

Published rules or steps: 8

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Virtues

Eight Mental Dusts

Tenrikyo's eight recurring misuses of mind: miserliness, covetousness, hatred, self-love, grudge-bearing, anger, greed and arrogance.

Tradition: Tenrikyo

Authority: Traditional

Published rules or steps: 8

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Maxims

Epicurean Tetrapharmakos

A four-part therapeutic summary: do not fear gods, do not fear death, good is attainable and severe pain is endurable or limited.

Tradition: Epicureanism

Authority: Philosophical

Published rules or steps: 4

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Virtues

Fruit of the Spirit

Nine Christian qualities listed in Galatians: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

Tradition: Christianity

Authority: Traditional

Published rules or steps: 9

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Virtues

Jain Ten Supreme Virtues

Ten virtues cultivated especially in Digambara Jain observance: forgiveness, humility, straightforwardness, purity, truth, restraint, austerity, renunciation, non-attachment and chastity.

Tradition: Jainism

Authority: Traditional

Published rules or steps: 10

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Virtues

Nine Noble Virtues

A modern nine-virtue list usually comprising courage, truth, honour, fidelity, discipline, hospitality, self-reliance, industriousness and perseverance.

Tradition: Heathenry

Authority: Modern reconstruction

Published rules or steps: 9

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Paths

Noble Eightfold Path

An eight-factor path integrating understanding, intention, conduct, livelihood, mental cultivation and meditation as the fourth Noble Truth.

Tradition: Buddhism

Authority: Canonical

Published rules or steps: 8

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Virtues

Quaker Testimonies

Four central Quaker testimonies expressing simplicity, truth or integrity, equality and peace.

Tradition: Christianity, Quakerism

Authority: Traditional

Published rules or steps: 4

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Laws

Seven Noahide Laws

A rabbinic seven-law framework covering courts, idolatry, blasphemy, murder, sexual conduct, theft and cruelty to living animals.

Tradition: Judaism

Authority: Traditional

Published rules or steps: 7

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Broad ethical framework

Shinto Ethical Principles

A broad ethical framework drawn from Shinto practice and teaching, emphasising purity, sincerity, harmony, gratitude, community and respectful relationships with kami, place and the natural world.

Tradition: Shinto

Authority: Traditional

Published rules or steps: 7

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Codes of conduct

Sikh Rehat Maryada

A formal Sikh code governing personal discipline, worship, initiation, congregational life and communal conduct.

Tradition: Sikhism

Authority: Traditional

Published rules or steps: 8

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Virtues

Six Perfections

A Mahāyāna Buddhist path of generosity, ethical conduct, patience, diligence, meditation and wisdom.

Tradition: Buddhism

Authority: Traditional

Published rules or steps: 6

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Precepts

Ten Buddhist Precepts

Ten training precepts extending the five lay precepts with celibacy, restricted eating, entertainment, adornment, luxury and money restrictions.

Tradition: Buddhism

Authority: Canonical

Published rules or steps: 10

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Commandments

Ten Commandments

The Decalogue combines obligations concerning God, worship, rest, family authority, life, sexuality, property, testimony and desire.

Tradition: Christianity, Judaism

Authority: Scriptural

Published rules or steps: 10

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Comprehensive religious law

The 613 Mitzvot in Judaism

The traditional Jewish enumeration of 613 commandments in the Torah, including positive duties and prohibitions concerning worship, justice, family, food, property, compassion and communal life.

Tradition: Judaism

Authority: Traditional

Published rules or steps: 12

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Disciplines

Yamas and Niyamas

Five restraints and five observances forming the first two limbs of Patañjali's eight-limbed Yoga.

Tradition: Hinduism

Authority: Philosophical

Published rules or steps: 10

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Explanations, comparisons and discussions

Comparison

Duties to Parents and Family

How ethical traditions balance family loyalty, parental duties, obedience, care and individual freedom.

Published 28 June 2026

Ethical analysis

Freedom, Obedience and Authority

When obedience supports social order, when authority becomes abusive and when conscience may justify resistance.

Published 28 June 2026

Comparison

Treatment of Outsiders and Enemies

Whether compassion, justice and human dignity apply only within a community or also to strangers, rivals and enemies.

Published 28 June 2026

Ethical analysis

War, Defence and Nonviolence

How commitments to non-killing and non-injury confront aggression, defence, war and protection of vulnerable people.

Published 28 June 2026

Comparison

Wealth, Charity and Poverty

What ethical codes say about property, generosity, non-possession, honest work, poverty and economic justice.

Published 28 June 2026

Explanation

What Is an Ethical Code or Path?

Why commandments, vows, virtues, practices and paths belong in one comparative catalogue without being treated as identical.

Published 28 June 2026