Determine “rightness” or “wrongness” of individual actions. 

I.e., an action being morally praiseworthy / blameworthy depends upon something intrinsic or extrinsic to the act itself.

Deontological Theories

The rightness of actions is determined not solely by their consequences but partly or entirely by their intrinsic nature

Nonconsequentialist = the good is defined in and of itself (rather than on outcomes)

Divine Command Theory

Right actions are in accordance with the will of the divine (i.e., that God is the creator of morality)

Kantian Deontology

Right actions are in accordance with duty (using the categorical imperative) and motivated by good will

Consequentialist Theories

Determine whether moral agents are “virtuous” or “vicious”. 

I.e., a person’s moral character is morally praiseworthy / blameworthy depending on something inherent to the agent’s relationship to others.

Theories of Moral Character

The praiseworthy / blameworthy -ness of a moral agent is determined not solely by their individual actions but partly by their motivations & ability to cultivate certain virtues / relationships over a lifetime

Virtue Ethics (Eastern & Western)

Moral theories that focus on the development of virtuous character over a lifetime 

Feminist & Care Ethics

Cultivate relationship building & sustaining emotions (e.g., care). An approach to morality aimed at advancing women’s interests, underscoring their distinctive experiences and characteristics, and advancing the obvious truth that women and men are morally equal

+ Context-dependent Theories