Key Ethical Theories and Concepts

A collection of flashcards covering essential ethical theories and concepts related to morality and nihilism.

Cultural Relativism

The idea that right and wrong depend on the values and practices of a culture, so no universal moral rules apply to everyone.

Moral Subjectivism

The view that morality is based on personal feelings or opinions—what’s right for one person may not be right for another.

Divine Command Theory

The belief that moral rules are determined by God’s commands; something is right if God says it is right.

Natural Law Theory

The idea that morality comes from human nature and reason—there are objective moral principles built into the world and human beings.

Ethical Egoism

A moral theory that says people should act in their own self-interest.

Psychological Egoism

The claim that people always act in their own self-interest, even if it seems unselfish.

Utilitarianism

The view that the right action is the one that produces the greatest overall happiness or least suffering for the most people.

Nihilism

The belief that life has no inherent meaning or moral truths and encompasses various forms.

Political Nihilism

The rejection of all political systems or authority.

Moral Nihilism

The belief that there are no objective moral truths—right and wrong don’t really exist.

Existential Nihilism

The idea that life has no inherent meaning or purpose.

Epistemological Nihilism

The belief that we cannot truly know anything for certain.