In the study of ethical theory there are three categories of ethical theories: intuition based, teleological and virtue based. These three types of ethics to attempt to define, explain and promote the norms, patterns and practices that govern ethical behavior – however, they do this by appealing to an intuitive understanding of rightness or wrongness. Within these three broad categories there are further subcategories, some based on emotion and some on personal responsibility. Within each of the three main categories there are also a variety of interpretations and a number of different ethical theories. In this article, we will consider some of the more common interpretations of ethical theories as they pertain to contemporary issues such as freedom, privacy and some issues related to health care.
Intuition-Based Ethical Theory. This type of ethical theory is related to the “folk” understanding of rightness that is described as a priori (natural) or subjective. Under this view ethical theories and behaviors are self-evident from the facts that they support, that is, they are grounded on a prior understanding of what is right. This view differs from teleological theories, which believe that ethical theories are objective, needing only to be understood in a particular context.
Teleological Ethical Theory. Also known as utilitarianism, teleology is often linked to traditional moral theories such as moral realism. According to teleological theories, there is no inherent meaning or ethical standards apart from those that a person chooses for themselves and their actions. In addition, these ethical standards may not be static or unchanging. Rather, they can be flexible depending on circumstances and are open to change with revelation and reflection. Some of the major figures associated with teleology include Rawls, Strawson, Singer and Lucknow.
Intuitional Ethical Theory. Most commonly associated with Freeland and Rawls, intuitionists believe that there is no significant difference between what a person believes and what is right in the abstract. This type of ethical philosophy is most closely identified with the work of A.J. Ayer.
Metaphysical Ethical Theory. Philosophers who subscribe to this school of thought believe that knowledge, whether cognitive or linguistic, is inherently valuable. Accordingly, they argue that there is no reason to form ethical standards or beliefs about the world based on what a person’s cognition or comprehension enables them to believe. According to this school of thought, there are three types of moral obligation: the obligation to obey the moral laws, the obligation to respect others’ rights, and the obligation to care for the well-being of others.
Applied Ethical Theory. According to applied ethical theory, ethical principles and actions are justified only if they are capable of being implemented in the context of an actual existing situation. Unlike intuitionistic or aprioristic ethics, application theory does not assume that what people believe is true because they personally believe it is true. Rather, it assumes that what people believe can be established as fact through the processes of reasoning.
Utilitarian’s and consequentialists. According to these three types of ethics, rightness – or goodness – is the most important feature of a person, and it must guide her behavior. They further assume that, because rightness has so much to do with human happiness and welfare, it is the proper concern of any society. Consequentialists, in contrast, hold that people should act to prevent incurable evils, including the enforcement of social justice, while utilitarian’s hold that only the latter is a morally necessary goal.
Teleological Theorists. The three types of ethical theories discussed above are often referred to as teleological theories, since they rely on the idea that our reality is governed by teleological principles. According to these ethicists, moral decisions are nothing but the result of those principles being followed, even if these principles are not always immediately obvious.