Final answer:
Ethical theories such as consequentialism, deontology, and virtue ethics provide distinct approaches to determining what constitutes a moral action, focusing on outcomes, rules, and character, respectively. These theories grapple with concepts like altruism and the role of individual conscience and moral sentiments, while acknowledging the complexity of real-world ethical decisions.
Step-by-step explanation:
There are several ethical theories that philosophers have developed to explain what should or should not be considered as a moral action. These theories attempt to provide a systematic approach to understanding morality and guiding moral decision-making.
Consequentialism evaluates the morality of actions based on their outcomes or consequences. The most well-known form is utilitarianism, which endorses actions that produce the greatest good for the greatest number, typically understood as happiness or general welfare.
Deontology focuses on adherence to duties or rules. For deontologists, an action is morally right if it complies with moral rules or duties, such as the rule against lying, regardless of the consequences.
Virtue ethics centers on character and virtues. It encourages individuals to develop moral virtues like courage, temperance, and compassion, which in turn lead to moral actions.
These frameworks encompass a range of perspectives, from those that prioritize the well-being of others (altruism) to those that allow for individual conscience and moral sentiments to guide ethical behavior. Sir William David Ross's pluralism also recognizes that we often face competing duties and must use judgment to decide which moral rules to prioritize in complex situations.