Ethics - Key Terms

Ethics

a system of moral principles.

Ethos (Greek Word)

custom, habit, character, or disposition.

how to live

a good life

our rights

and responsibilities

the language of

right and wrong

moral decisions

what is good and bad?

Deontological Ethics (ought)

defines good actions as inherently right in themselves, regardless of outcome or consequence. [from Greek deon - "one must" or "ought"]

Teleological Ethics (Outcome/consequentualism)

defines good actions by their intended outcome or consequence; the best result determines what is right. [from Greek telos - "goal" or "end"]

Intrinsic Values

something valued as good for what it is in itself.

Extrinsic Values

something valued as good for the benefits or results it produces.

Virtue

a firm and habitual disposition to do good.

Virtue Ethics

an approach focused on cultivating character, good habits, and moral consistency.

The Categorical Imperative

A principle that moral actions are guided by reason and must be universally applicable.

Utilitarianism

a moral theory focused on the consequences or results of our actions.

Act Utilitarianism (Classical)

in any situation, choose the action producing the greatest good for the greatest number.

Rule Utilitarianism

live by rules that generally lead to the greatest good for the greatest number.

Immanuel Kant

The Categorical Imperative

Jeremy Bentham

Act Utilitarianism

John Stuart Mill

Rule Utilitarianism