Utilitarianism emphasizes the consequences of actions and focuses on maximizing overall happiness. It is the theory that bases moral rightness on producing the greatest benefit for the greatest number.

Deontological ethics is centered on adherence to moral duties and established rules. It emphasizes doing what is inherently right, regardless of the consequences of the action.

The Trolley Problem is a classic thought experiment used to explore the conflict between utilitarian and deontological reasoning. It challenges individuals to consider whether sacrificing one life can be justified to save multiple lives.

Virtue ethics focuses on cultivating virtues such as courage and honesty, aiming for overall moral excellence. Unlike rule-based systems, it evaluates the character of the individual rather than the individual actions alone.

Moral relativism holds that ethical judgments depend on cultural and historical contexts rather than absolute standards. This perspective challenges the idea of universal moral norms.

Utilitarianism is often criticized for potentially endorsing actions that harm a minority if doing so benefits the majority. This critique highlights the potential conflict between overall happiness and individual rights.

Immanuel Kant is renowned for his development of the categorical imperative, a fundamental concept in deontological ethics. This principle requires that actions be universally applicable and rooted in duty.

Virtue ethics emphasizes the importance of building good moral character and developing virtues. In contrast, utilitarianism evaluates the morality of actions based on the outcomes they produce.

Civil disobedience involves the deliberate disobedience of laws perceived as unjust, reflecting a conflict between legal duty and personal morals. This concept has played a significant role in social and political change.

The principle of double effect is used to evaluate situations where an action has both beneficial and harmful outcomes. It distinguishes between the intended positive effects and the unintended negative consequences.

Ethical egoism posits that actions are morally right if they serve an individual's self-interest. It contrasts with theories that prioritize collective well-being or universal moral rules.

A dilemma is a situation where an individual is forced to choose between two or more options, each with significant moral implications. This concept is central to many ethical debates, highlighting the complexity of moral decision-making.

Consequentialism is an ethical theory that judges actions based solely on their results. It looks to the outcomes produced by actions to determine their moral worth.

Moral realism asserts that there are objective moral facts independent of individual beliefs or cultural norms. This view contrasts with perspectives that see morality as subjective or relative.

Ethical pluralism acknowledges that various moral frameworks may offer valuable insights into complex issues. It supports the idea that diverse ethical perspectives can coexist and contribute to sound moral reasoning.

Utilitarianism focuses on the outcomes of an action, allowing for deviations from strict rules if doing so maximizes overall well-being. This approach permits flexibility when following a rule strictly would lead to significant harm.

Rawls' veil of ignorance is a thought experiment that requires decision-makers to design policies without knowing their own social position. This approach promotes fairness by ensuring that policies are unbiased and just for all members of society.

Modern bioethical dilemmas often require a careful balance between the benefits of an action and the moral duties involved. This challenge exemplifies the tension between consequentialist approaches and deontological principles in ethical decision-making.

Virtue ethics emphasizes the importance of developing good moral character and relies on virtues to guide decision-making. This approach suggests that a person with well-developed character will naturally choose the most ethical option, even in complex situations.

Ethical relativism, by asserting that moral values are culture-specific, can hinder the development of universal human rights standards. This criticism points to the difficulty of enforcing global moral norms when ethical beliefs vary greatly between societies.