Normative Theories Of Ethics: Difference Between Right And Wrong

Normative theories of ethics are meant to assist in the discovery of what is right and wrong. These moral theories rely on principles that determine whether an action is right or wrong. Some normative theories include utilitarianism, virtue ethics, W.D. Ross’s intuitonism, the categorical imperative, or deontology. Ethics is often used interchangeably with morality so it is not too surprising to learn ethics addresses questions of morality in philosophy. There is, however, a defining difference between morality and ethics. An individual that recognizes the difference between right and wrong and still chooses to do right is moral. Ethics are moral values in action, and this means that morality is apparent in those who do the right thing despite it being hard or dangerous. Utilitarians are of the mindset that one should do that which will produce the most happiness. Utilitarianism derives from consequentialism, which bears the perception that the action producing the best consequences should be done. Utilitarians value the overall utility involved in maximizing happiness in …show more content…
Will it be alright if this action were universal law? Is this action appropriate for everyone else in the same situation? Are others being treated as ends? Should this act be moral law? If the answers are yes, the action is considered morally acceptable. The categorical imperative is not meant to provide a complete decision. The categorical imperative is more about moral concepts than moral reality. Many disagree about how the categorical imperative applies in situations and that causes decisions of what to do to remain unclear. This theory relieves heavily on the belief that motivation by categorical imperatives and there is no definitive evidence that people can be. How are they motivated? It is human nature to self-deceive and that fact alone causes more