Ethics & Moral Philosophy Vocabulary

ethical theory that judges actions by adherence to rules or duties

“Deontology holds that some acts are wrong regardless of consequences.”

Origin: Greek deon 'duty, that which is binding' + logos 'study'

ethical theory judging actions by their outcomes

“Consequentialism asks whether an action produces more good than harm.”

Origin: Latin consequi 'to follow closely' + -ism

ethical theory focused on character rather than rules or outcomes

“Virtue ethics asks what a person of good character would do.”

Origin: Latin virtus 'moral strength, excellence' from vir 'man'

Kant's principle that one should act only according to universalizable maxims

“The categorical imperative forbids lying even to save a life.”

Origin: Greek kategorikos 'accusatory, affirmative' + Latin imperare 'to command'

the view that moral judgments are not universally valid

“Moral relativism suggests ethics vary across cultures.”

Origin: Latin moralis 'of manners' + relativus 'having reference to'

relating to standards of right and wrong conduct

“Normative ethics prescribes how we ought to behave.”

Origin: Latin norma 'carpenter's square, rule, pattern' + -ative

the study of the nature and foundations of moral thought

“Metaethics asks whether moral facts exist.”

Origin: Greek meta 'beyond, about' + ethikos 'moral'

the view that pleasure is the highest good

“Ethical hedonism holds that pleasure alone has intrinsic value.”

Origin: Greek hedone 'pleasure' from hedys 'sweet'

selfless concern for the welfare of others

“Effective altruism applies reason to doing the most good.”

Origin: French altruisme from Italian altrui 'of or to others' from Latin alter 'other'

the capacity for self-governance and independent moral choice

“Respect for autonomy is central to medical ethics.”

Origin: Greek autonomia 'independence' from autos 'self' + nomos 'law'