Ethical theories and principles

There are two fundamental types of ethical theory: those based on the notion of choosing one’s actions so as to maximize the value or values to be expected as consequences of those actions called consequential or teleological theories and those based on the notion of choosing one’s actions according to standards of duty or obligation that refer not to consequences but to the nature of actions and the motives that are held by those performing them (called dermatological theories).

Major types Of Ethical Theory:

1. Consequentialism-- utilitarianism

2. Dermatological theories-- The "categorical imperative"

3. Ethical relativism

4. Rights

5. Virtue-based ethical theories

Consequentialism:

• Consequentialism refers to that type of ethical theory in which right or wrong are based on the consequences of an action.

• Utilitarianism is one form of consequentialism.

Utilitarianism

• The basic principle is that everyone ought to act in ways which bring happiness to a large number of people.

• The alternative that produces the most overall net happiness is the right action.

Deontological Theories:

• Put an emphasis on the character of the act itself, not its effects. What makes an action right or wrong for deontologists is the intrinsic character of the action.

Ethical Relativism:

• "There are no universal moral rules.

• ”Good" is functional for the society and culture.

• People are bound by the moral rules of their culture or society."

Rights:

Rights can be legal, contractual, or moral. Moral type of rights is derived from moral theories or beliefs and entails duties/obligations for others. For example, if a moral theory contains the principle that you should respect the autonomy of other individuals, then you have a duty to respect the autonomy of others.

Rights are also categorized as positive and negative. This categorization indicates the kind of claim and obligation that the right entails.

Virtue-Based Ethics:

Virtue-based theories focus on the character of the person. According to virtue-based theories, ethics is about what sort of person one should strive to become. The qualities that one should develop in oneself are called virtues.