What is Ethics?
Ethics is the branch of philosophy that examines what makes actions right or wrong, and what it means to live a good life. Major theories offer different answers to how we should decide.
Ethics is the study of moral principles that guide behavior — asking whether actions, rules, or character traits are good, right, or virtuous.
- •Judges actions by rules and duties, not outcomes
- •Some acts are wrong regardless of consequences
- •Associated with Immanuel Kant
- •Example: lying is wrong even to spare feelings
- •Judges actions by their outcomes/results
- •The right act maximizes good consequences
- •Associated with utilitarianism (Bentham, Mill)
- •Example: a lie is acceptable if it produces the best outcome
Step-by-step worked examples
The 'trolley problem': a runaway trolley will kill 5 people unless you pull a lever to divert it, killing 1 person instead. How would a utilitarian decide?
A utilitarian calculates total wellbeing: 5 lives saved versus 1 lost. Maximizing good outcomes means pulling the lever produces greater net utility (5 saved > 1 lost). A utilitarian would therefore pull the lever, prioritizing outcomes over the act of directly causing harm.
How would a Kantian deontologist respond to the same trolley problem?
Kant's categorical imperative asks whether the action's rule (maxim) could be universalized without contradiction. Using a person merely as a means to save others treats them as an object, not an end in themselves. Many deontologists conclude that actively causing death (even to save more) violates the duty not to use people as mere means, making it impermissible.
A shopkeeper always gives correct change — not from a rule or outcome calculation, but because honesty is part of who they are. Which ethical theory best explains this?
Virtue ethics focuses on character traits (virtues) like honesty, courage, and generosity rather than rules or outcomes. The shopkeeper acts from an ingrained virtuous disposition, not fear of punishment or utility calculation. This matches Aristotle's virtue ethics: right action flows from good character.
Flashcards
Quick quiz
Q1.Which theory judges an action solely by its outcomes?
Q2.Kant's categorical imperative belongs to which theory?
Q3.Virtue ethics is most concerned with:
Q4.In the trolley problem, a strict utilitarian would:
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Common mistakes
Ethics is just personal opinion with no reasoning. — Correct: Ethical theories offer structured reasoning (rules, outcomes, character) that can be argued for or against.
Consequentialism means 'the ends always justify the means.' — Correct: It means the ends determine rightness, but sophisticated versions still weigh rights and long-term harms.
Deontology ignores consequences entirely. — Correct: It gives consequences less weight than duty, but doesn't claim outcomes never matter at all.
Virtue ethics has no practical guidance. — Correct: It guides action by asking what a virtuous, practically wise person would do in the situation.
FAQ
What is ethics?
Ethics is the philosophical study of right and wrong, and what makes a life or action morally good.
What is the difference between deontology and consequentialism?
Deontology judges actions by rules/duty; consequentialism judges them by their outcomes.
What are examples of ethical theories?
Major examples include deontology (Kant), consequentialism/utilitarianism (Mill), and virtue ethics (Aristotle).
How do philosophers decide what is ethical?
They apply theories like duty-based rules, outcome calculations, or virtuous character to real dilemmas such as the trolley problem.