Applied Ethical Arguments

Kantian Ethics

Kant's ethical theory is known as the Deontological theory. He believes that a moral action is one which we are duty bound to perform, and an action is only genuinely moral if it is prompted by a duty. Our duty is what we ought to do.

Situation Ethics

Situation Ethics is a Christian ethical theory founded by Joseph Fletcher in the 1960s. This theory argues that love is what morality should serve and that love is the ultimate drive for our actions.

"The Situationist follows a moral law or violates it according to love's needs."

Utilitarianism

Utilitarianism is an ethical theory, created by Jeremy Bentham, which looks to create the greatest good for the greatest number of people. As a teleological argument, utilitarianism judges the morality of actions is according to its outcomes and consequences, rather than focusing on the rules.

Natural Law

Natural Law ethics is based on the idea that moral principles are inherent in human nature. This theory was developed by Sir Thomas Aquinas.

"Good is to be done and pursued, and evil is to be avoided."

Jainism