Utilitarianism, the best known branch of consequentialist ethics, was popularized by Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill in the 18th and 19th centuries. This book maintains that ethics primarily depend on the consequences of one's behavior rather that the values one holds. Thus values are ethical insofar as these values produce desirable outcomes.

"Nicomachean Ethics" is considered as one of the greatest work by Aristotle. In this book he argues that virtue is more significant for human beings than pride, pleasure and happiness. According to him virtue can be described in two ways, moral virtue and intellectual virtue. A balanced combination of both is the key to an ideal life. Thought-provoking!

A unique effort by Plato in which he challenges the readers to question their concepts regarding "virtue." Author himself questions his character "Meno" about virtue. The dialogue seems to stray from reason at certain points and turns towards the mystical. Reading Plato, answers many questions and exposes the framework of so many later writers of history. A classic that should be reflected upon.