Axiology

The branch of philosophy that studies values, including moral value (good vs. bad) and aesthetic value.

Relativism

The ethical view that moral truths depend on cultural, social, or personal perspectives rather than existing universally.

Logic

The study of correct reasoning; in ethics it helps evaluate whether moral arguments are valid or sound.

Meta-ethics

The branch of ethics that examines the nature, meaning, and foundations of moral concepts and judgments.

ethics

The philosophical study of morality, including what actions are right or wrong and why.

The Good

A fundamental ethical concept referring to what is morally valuable, desirable, or worthy of pursuit.

egoism

The view that moral actions are those that serve one’s own self-interest.

Altruism

The view that moral actions should prioritize the well-being of others, sometimes even at a cost to oneself.

syllogism

A formal logical structure in which a conclusion follows necessarily from two premises; used in ethical reasoning.

Objectivism

The ethical stance that moral truths exist independently of human beliefs or feelings.

subjectivism

the philosophical view that moral judgments are based on individual feelings, opinions, and perspectives rather than objective truths.

argument

A set of statements in which premises are offered to support a conclusion.

conclusion

The statement that an argument’s premises are intended to support.

Tsugiri

In ethics, discussed as a historical example of immoral behavior: a samurai practice of testing a new sword on a random passerby, highlighting extreme violations of moral duty and human rights.

philosophy

The discipline that uses reason to study fundamental questions, including those about morality, knowledge, and existence.

Normative Ethics

The field that develops and evaluates moral standards to determine what people ought to do.

consistency

A requirement in ethical reasoning that similar cases be treated similarly and that one’s moral beliefs do not contradict each other.

Deductive Reasoning

Reasoning where the conclusion necessarily follows from the premises; if the premises are true, the conclusion must be true.

Inductive Reasoning

Reasoning that draws general conclusions from specific observations; conclusions are probable rather than certain.

Ad Hominem

A fallacy where one attacks the character of a person instead of addressing their argument.

Virtue Theory

An ethical theory that focuses on developing moral character traits (virtues) rather than following rules or calculating consequences.

Cardinal Virtue

A fundamental moral virtue such as prudence, justice, temperance, or courage.

Religious Virtue

A virtue rooted in religious teachings, such as faith, hope, or charity.

Social Virtue

A virtue that promotes harmony and cooperation in society, such as generosity, honesty, or respect.

Deontological Theory

An ethical theory that emphasizes duties and rules; actions are morally right based on the nature of the act, not its consequences.

Religious Duties

Moral obligations derived from religious beliefs, teachings, or commandments.

Rights Duties

Duties that correspond to others’ rights—such as the duty not to harm others because they have a right to safety.

Duties

Moral obligations that individuals are required to fulfill, regardless of personal desires.

Consequentialist Theory

An ethical theory that judges actions based on their outcomes; good consequences make actions morally right.

Ethical Egoism

The ethical theory that individuals ought to act in their own self-interest.

Ethical Altruism

The ethical theory that individuals ought to act for the benefit of others.

Utilitarianism

A consequentialist theory stating that the right action is the one that maximizes overall happiness or well-being for the greatest number.