Ethics

Ethics

Of or relating to a branch of philosophy that focuses on human morality. It involves analyzing concepts of right and wrong conduct an behavior based on one's own morals.

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Ethics

nonmaleficence

Philosophy; Ethics

Moral principle that one should refrain from harming others ("first, do no harm"). Compare with beneficence.

The science of human duty; the rules of human conduct. The function of morality is "to combat the deleterious consequences of human sympathies" (Beauchamp). Its aim is "to contribute to betterment -- ...

paternalism

Philosophy; Ethics

Stance that a person’s liberty is justifiably restricted to prevent self-harm, or to promote that person’s own well-being. Paternalism is an inherently liberty-limiting principle. It is grounded in a ...

rights

Philosophy; Ethics

That which is due to individuals, based on core ethical principles. Rights create parallel duties on the part of others, or on society as a whole. So-called negative rights are rights of ...

rule deontology

Philosophy; Ethics

Theory that non-consequentialist principles must be applied in the form of rules, and that such rules determine whether particular acts are right or wrong. Contrast with act deontology. See also act ...

rule utilitarianism

Philosophy; Ethics

Theory that the principle of utility is (or ought to be) the source of rules of conduct, and that such rules determine whether particular acts are right or wrong. Rules justified by their general ...

utilitarianism

Philosophy; Ethics

A conception of the moral life in terms of means-to-ends reasoning. An act or rule is right insofar as it produces or leads to the maximization of good consequences (utility). See act utilitarianism ...