right and wrong

ethics

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June 23, 2026

Quick Summary

Ethics is the philosophical study of what is morally right and wrong. It involves examining moral principles, values, and codes of conduct, which can be associated with religions, cultures, or professions. While "ethics" and "morality" are often used interchangeably, ethics specifically refers to the philosophical discipline.1

Key ethical theories include:
* Consequentialism: Judges actions based on their outcomes, aiming to maximize good consequences, such as pleasure over pain (utilitarianism).2
* Deontological ethics: Focuses on duties and universal rules, regardless of consequences.3
* Virtue ethics: Emphasizes character traits and emulating virtuous role models.3
* Ethics of care: Highlights the importance of relationships, community, and meeting others' needs.3

Ethical decision-making often involves navigating moral dilemmas where values conflict, such as loyalty versus public interest, or truth-telling versus minimizing harm.4

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ethics
…human actions can be judged right or wrong.
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…human actions can be judged right or wrong.
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bioethics
Traditional and contemporary ethical theories
…that holds that the moral rightness or wrongness of an action should be ascertained in terms of the action’s consequences. According to one common formulation, an action is right if it would promote a greater amount of happiness for a greater number of people than would any other action performable…
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…that holds that the moral rightness or wrongness of an action should be ascertained in terms of the action’s consequences. According to one common formulation, an action is right if it would promote a greater amount of happiness for a greater number of people than would any other action performable…
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Western philosophy
Socrates
…knows what is good and right could act against it. He demonstrated his adherence to the first principle on various occasions and under different regimes. When, after the Battle of Arginusae (406 bce), the majority of the Athenian popular assembly demanded death without trial for the admirals, Socrates, who on…
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…knows what is good and right could act against it. He demonstrated his adherence to the first principle on various occasions and under different regimes. When, after the Battle of Arginusae (406 bce), the majority of the Athenian popular assembly demanded death without trial for the admirals, Socrates, who on…
Read More