Ethical Theories

Ethical Theories

1. Utilitarianism

   • An action is right if it maximises the overall happiness of all people

2. Kantian Ethics

   • Treat everyone how you wish them to treat you, never treat people as if they were merely objects

3. Cultural Relativism

   • What is right and wrong varies according to the beliefs of each culture

4. Natural Law

   • Everything is created for a purpose, and when this is examined by human reason a person should be able to judge how to react to an act in order to find ultimate happiness

5. Situation ethics

   • Based on Agape which wills the good of others
   • Virtue ethics
     • Agent-centred not act-centred. Practising virtuous behaviour will lead to becoming a virtuous person and contribute to virtuous society