Ethics

Ethics

Of or relating to a branch of philosophy that focuses on human morality. It involves analyzing concepts of right and wrong conduct an behavior based on one's own morals.

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Ethics

Justice

Philosophy; Ethics

Commonly described as fairness, but more closely aligned to the concept of "desert" (pronounced like, but not to be confused with, "dessert" of the ice-cream et al variety): One has acted justly ...

Absolutism

Philosophy; Ethics

As an ethical theory, it can be contrasted with relativism. An absolutist would assert that there is one correct approach to the moral life, across persons and cultures. Absolute ethical dictates ...

Despotism

Philosophy; Ethics

As an ethical theory, it can be contrasted with relativism. An absolutist would assert that there is one correct approach to the moral life, across persons and cultures. Absolute ethical dictates ...

Act deontology

Philosophy; Ethics

Theory that deontological (i.e., non-consequentialist) principles are or should be applied by individuals to each unique circumstance. Situations are seen as too idiosyncratic, in general, to be ...

Act utilitarianism

Philosophy; Ethics

Theory that the principle of utility is or ought to be applied to particular acts in particular circumstances. An act utilitarian justifies actions simply by direct appeal to the principle of ...

As a theory of action, this can be descriptive (i.e., that people do, at least sometimes, appear to act in other than self-regarding ways). Or it can be a normative position about how people ought to ...

Autonomy

Philosophy; Ethics

The principle of respect for persons, and of individual self-determination consistent with that principle. As most commonly defined, autonomy points in the direction of personal liberty of action in ...