BASIC THOERIES THAT SERVE AS FOUNDATIONS OF ETHICS

Immanuel Kant

Developed deontological ethics, which focuses on duties and rules.

Immanuel Kant

Key Philosophers: Ethical theories are philosophical systems that attempt to define what actions are right and wrong for human beings. They provide frameworks or sets of principles to guide moral behavior and help us determine what counts as "right action" and "wrong action"

Jeremy Bentham & John Stuart Mill

Associated with utilitarianism, a form of consequentialism that holds the best action is the one that maximizes overall happiness.

Aristotle

Founder of virtue ethics, which emphasizes developing good character traits like courage and honesty.

Nel Noddings

Known for care ethics, which prioritizes empathy and relationships.

Metaethics

investigates the nature, meaning, and origin of moral concepts and judgments. It asks questions like "What does 'good' mean?", "Are moral values objective or subjective?", and "How can we know what is morally right?"

Normative ethics

concerned with establishing moral standards that define right and wrong actions. It addresses questions such as "What ought I to do?" and "What moral principles should guide our actions?”

Applied ethics

involves applying ethical theories and principles to real-world moral issues and practical situations, such as medical ethics, business ethics, and environmental ethics

Consequentialist ethics

holds that the morality of an action depends entirely on its outcomes or consequences. The most well-known form is utilitarianism, which seeks to maximize overall happiness or well-being.

Deontological ethics

asserts that some actions are inherently right or wrong, regardless of their consequences. This theory focuses on duties, rules, and moral principles that must be followed

Virtue ethics

emphasizes the importance of developing good character traits (virtues) such as honesty, courage, and compassion. The focus is on being a good person rather than simply following rules or maximizing outcomes.

Care ethics

prioritizes relationships, empathy, and compassion in ethical decision-making. It emphasizes the moral significance of caring for others and responding to their needs, especially in the context of personal relationships.

Nel Noddings

Key Philosophers of Care Ethics

Aristotle

Key Philosophers of Virtue Ethics

Immanuel Kant

Key Philosophers of Deontological ethics

Jeremy Bentham

Key Philosophers of Consequentialist ethics

Immanuel Kant, Jeremy Bentham, John Stuart Mill, Aristotle, Nel Noddings

Key Philosophers of Normative Ethics:

Plato, Socrates, Aristotle

Key Philosophers of Metaethics

Consequentialism

Public policy, cost-benefit analysis

Deontology

Human rights, legal systems

Virtue Ethics

Education, leadership, personal development

Care Ethics

Nursing, social work, family dynamics