Socrates wasn't providing laundry lists of rules -- but his method certainly helped many people think better and pursue better courses of action.
Socrates wasn't providing laundry lists of rules -- but his method certainly helped many people think better and pursue better courses of action.
I agree that a good code of ethics could be that way. But I think that's less true if the code of ethics is coupled with a system of punishment. In a system where violations are punished, I think it's desirable for the rules to be as objective as possible. Otherwise, you risk arbitrary application and/or abuse of the rules. Further, well-meaning people should be able to read the rules, understand what is and is not permitted, and tailor their behavior accordingly. They should not have to worry that they will later be punished for breaking a rule they thought they were following.