Moral Philosophy

Utilitarianism?

A normative ethical theory that suggests actions are right if they benefit the majority.

Who is associated with Act Utilitarianism?

Jeremy Bentham.

the Principle of Utility?

The idea that the best action is the one that maximises happiness.

Rule Utilitarianism?

A version of utilitarianism that considers the consequences of adopting certain rules.

Who is associated with Rule Utilitarianism?

John Stuart Mill.

What is Deontological Ethics?

An ethical theory that uses rules to distinguish right from wrong.

Who is the main philosopher behind Deontology?

Immanuel Kant.

the Categorical Imperative?

A central concept in Kantian ethics stating that one should act only according to maxims that can be universally applied.

Virtue Ethics?

An ethical theory that emphasizes an individual's character as the key element of ethical thinking.

Who is the main philosopher behind Virtue Ethics?

Aristotle.

Eudaimonia?

A term in Aristotelian ethics meaning human flourishing or living well.

the Doctrine of the Mean?

Aristotle's idea that virtue lies between two extremes (vices).