Metaethics and Normative Ethics

Metaethics is the branch of ethics that examines the nature of moral properties, the meaning of moral language, and the justification of moral judgments.

Utilitarianism is an ethical theory that states that the rightness or wrongness of an action is determined solely by its consequences.

Deontological theories hold that the rightness or wrongness of an action is determined by its intrinsic properties, such as its conformity to moral rules or principles.

Virtue Ethics is an ethical theory that emphasizes the importance of developing and practicing virtues, such as courage, honesty, and justice.

Kantianism is an ethical theory that states that the rightness or wrongness of an action is determined by its conformity to the categorical imperative, which is a universal moral principle that applies to all rational agents.

Intention-Based Ethics is an ethical theory that holds that the rightness or wrongness of an action is determined by the agent's intentions.

Contextualism is an ethical theory that emphasizes the importance of considering the context and circumstances of an action when making moral judgments.

Divine Command Theory is an ethical theory that holds that the rightness or wrongness of an action is determined by its conformity to divine law.

Negative Utilitarianism is an ethical theory that emphasizes the importance of avoiding harm and promoting well-being.

Conventionalism is an ethical theory that holds that the rightness or wrongness of an action is determined by its conformity to social conventions.

Rationalism is an ethical theory that emphasizes the importance of acting in accordance with reason.

Natural Law Theory is an ethical theory that holds that the rightness or wrongness of an action is determined by its conformity to natural law.

Conscientious Objector Theory is an ethical theory that emphasizes the importance of acting in accordance with one's conscience.

Golden Rule Theory is an ethical theory that holds that the rightness or wrongness of an action is determined by its conformity to the golden rule.

Egoism is an ethical theory that emphasizes the importance of acting in accordance with one's own self-interest.