4. Major Ethical Theories

Consenquentialism

the moral worth of an action is solely determined by its consequences

Hedonism

please and avoidance of pain are the sole intrinsic goods

Preference Utilitarianism

satisfying the preferences and desires of individuals

Utilitarianism

maximizing overall well-being or happiness

Act Utilitarianism

evaluates each individual action based on its expected consequences

Rule Utilitarianism

focuses on following general rules that, if followed consistently, would lead to the greatest overall good

Utility Calculus

a system or method for calculating the expected utility or value of different courses of action

First Formulation (The Universalizability Principle)

you should only act in a way that you would be willing for everyone else to act in the same situation

Second Formulation (The Humanity Formula)

respect the dignity and autonomy of all human beings

Duty

a moral obligation or responsibility

Moral Law

a set of universal and objective moral principles that apply to all rational beings

The Principle of Universalizability

an action is morally permissible only if it can be consistently willed as universal law

Deontological Ethics

provides a strong framework for understanding moral obligations and the importance of acting in accordance with universal practices