9. Integrating the five moral principles
Note that each of the five moral principles examines morality from a different perspective. The utilitarian principles focuses on the results (ends) of the action and examines whether or not the action produces the greatest good and the least harm possible from the perspective of everyone who is affected by the action. The rights principle focuses on the methods (means) used and examines whether or not the person performing the action in question has the moral right to do the action. The distributive justice principle focuses on whether or not the action produces a fair distribution of good and harm. The care principle focuses on protecting and nurturing the individuals with whom the person performing the action in question has special relationships. Finally, the virtue principle focuses on the character traits of the person performing the action in question.