ethical theory
Philosophy of right
An ethical theory is a systematic framework for determining what actions are morally right or wrong.
Major ethical theories include consequentialism (judging acts by their outcomes), deontology (judging acts by adherence to rules or duties), and virtue ethics (focusing on character traits).
Utilitarianism is the most influential ethical theory in policy debates.
Ethical theories attempt to ground moral judgments in reason rather than intuition or tradition.
- consequentialismEthics judging by results
- deontologyMorality based on obligations
- utilitarianismGreatest-happiness moral theory
- trolley problemEthical sacrifice scenario
- cognitivismTheory prioritizing mental processes
moral philosophy · prescriptivism · duty · intuitionism · right and wrong · golden rule · egoism · free will · categorical imperative · Kant · do no harm · hedonism · altruism · Mill · fairness · values · evil · reasoning
ethical theoryempirical observation
Facts gathered through senses
behavioral science · social science · ethnography · metaethics
ethical theoryapplied ethics
Morality for real situations
ethical action · moral conduct · ethical behavior · ethical conduct · casuistry
ethical theoryamoralism
Rejection of moral categories
realpolitik · Machiavellianism · moral relativism · nihilism
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