Theory Belief Commonalities “greatest good for the greatest number of people” Utilitarianism | The proper course of action maximizes overall “happiness” | Y | Golden Rule | Treat others as you would like to be treated. | Y | Reason and Logic | Part of natural duties, developed by Immanuel Kant to create an ethical system based off logic and reason not religious beliefs or good consequences | Y, USA is a democracy, deal so fair buyer/seller would be willing to trade places | Cicero | Moral actions are dictated by the laws of nature, nothing could be expedient or profitable if it was morally wrong | Y, all Greek philosophers believed in natural laws | Plato | Knowledge of goodness means penetrating social conventions into unchanging natural laws. (universalism?) | Y, all Greek philosophers believed in natural laws | Aristotle | Good Life= What is right and moral, and then living that way. | Y, all Greek philosophers believed in natural laws | Natural Laws | Morality is universal, general principles are consistent with human nature, and it advances a peaceful society. | Y | Deontology | Focus on the action itself (means). Whether an act is moral depends on whether it is consistent with what is our duty or obligation. | Y | Beneficence | Religious belief that society is interdependent, so everyone has a reciprocal obligation to help others. | Y | Relativism | Morality depends on the situation and can be normative or cultural relativism. (Ex. gangs) | N, but can relate to Beneficence in that “we have the duty to help others when there is a need, we are capable, or we are the last resort” | Universalism | Moral standards are objective and impartial. If it is right for me, it is right for you. | Y | Teology | Right is defined by the ends or the consequence of the action. Hurtful behaviors are not immoral if they contribute to an