René Descartes is widely regarded as the father of modern ethics due to his influential work on the foundations of morality and the nature of the good life.

Descartes believed that the ultimate goal of human life is to achieve happiness, and that all moral actions should be directed towards this end.

Descartes argued that morality is based on reason and that human beings have an innate capacity to distinguish between right and wrong.

Descartes believed that the will is the faculty that enables human beings to choose between right and wrong, and that moral responsibility lies with the individual's choices.

Descartes believed that reason should guide the will, and that the will should be subordinate to reason in moral decision-making.

Descartes' moral philosophy is significant because it laid the foundation for modern ethics by emphasizing the importance of reason, individual autonomy, and the pursuit of happiness.

John Locke was another influential figure in the development of modern ethics, particularly for his contributions to the theory of natural rights and the social contract.

Locke believed that the ultimate goal of morality is to achieve the greatest good for the greatest number of people.

Locke argued that all human beings have certain natural rights, including the rights to life, liberty, and property.

Locke believed that the primary role of government is to protect the natural rights of individuals, including their rights to life, liberty, and property.

Locke believed that the individual and the state are in a reciprocal relationship, with the state having the responsibility to protect the natural rights of individuals and individuals having the responsibility to obey the laws of the state.

Locke's moral philosophy is significant because it laid the foundation for modern liberalism by emphasizing the importance of individual rights, limited government, and the consent of the governed.

David Hume was another influential figure in the development of modern ethics, particularly for his contributions to the theory of utilitarianism.

Hume believed that the ultimate goal of morality is to achieve the greatest good for the greatest number of people.

Hume believed that morality is based on emotion, particularly on the sentimentof sympathy.