2007-Moral_Philosophy. M. oral Philosophy aka . ". Ethics. ". The study of moral judgments and human behavior. DESCRIPTIVE ETHICS. Studies ethics from a factual point of view. Investigates what . ". is. ". NORMATIVE ETHICS. Investigates content of moral judgments; action-guiding. Investigates . ". oughts. ". and . ". shoulds. ". META ETHICS. Investigates fundamental concepts, and meanings of moral language. For instance: Absolutism vs. Relativism. APPLIED ETHICS. Investigates applications of moral judgments. Applies normativ. e theory. to contemporary issues. Ethical actions spring from general principles and/or values...which ones are most reasonable?. CONSEQUENTIALIST THEORIES. Morality of an action depends on its results. ". How should I act?. ". NONCONSEQUENTIALIST THEORIES. Morality of an action depends on rules, the will. ". How should I act?. ". VIRTUE THEORIES. Morality depends on character. ". How should I live?. ". EGOISM. Moral = . promoting our own best long-term interests. HEDONISM. Moral =. maximizing pleasure. (Epicurus). SELF-REALIZATION. (Maslow, Plato, Bradley). UTILITARIANISM. Moral =. maximizing greatest good for greatest number of people. Principle: Utility. (Heteronomous). (Bentham, Mill). ACT UTILITARIANISM. Moral =. following the act that has the best consequences. RULE UTILITARIANISM. Moral =. following the rule that has the best consequences. DIVINE COMMAND THEORY. Moral =. doing the will of God. (Heteronomous). SCRIPTURE. Moral =. acting according to scripture. NATURAL LAW. Moral =. acting according to nature. (Aquinas). KANTIAN ETHICS. Moral =. acting according to duty...as determined by good will and reason. Principle: Categorical Imperative. (Autonomous). BUDDHIST ETHICS. Moral =. seeking enlightenment, realizing 4 Noble Truths. ARISTOTELIAN ETHICS. Moral =. fulfilling basic human function. the basic human function is using reason. ability to reason well is a virtue. MALE. v. s.. FEMALE. KOHLBERG. Moral =. stages of development. preconventional. conventional. postconventional. (his study researched men). GILLIGAN. . &. . NODDINGS. Feminine: caring . &. relationships. Masculine: rules . &. principles. 2008 Karla Pierce, Purplebike.com.