The study of how one ought to live; the
study of right and wrong action, how one
should act in particular situations; the
study of reasons for actions being right or
wrong; what is the basis for ethical judgment?
The major modern divisions today
are between consequentialist ethical systems
that judge actions by their consequences,
deontological ethical systems
that judge actions by their accordance
with moral laws, and feminist ethical systems
that judge actions by their effects on
our interpersonal relationships. (jc)
See also deontological ethics; ethic of
care; ethic of responsibility; moral education;
virtue ethics.