Ethical approaches can focus on either the consequences of actions or the character of the person acting. Utilitarianism judges actions based on their consequences, considering the action good if it creates the most benefit. Aristotle's virtue ethics focuses on cultivating good character traits and finding the golden mean with each virtue to achieve self-fulfillment. Kantian ethics judges based on an action's underlying motives and duties owed to others.

1. Approaches to Ethics
ACTION BEING
• CONSEQUENCES • VIRTUE
– An act should be judged by the – Ethics is a way of life. We
consequences that it has. should cultivate good habits,
– Good action = Good because they make us happy.
consequences The goal of ethics is self-
– Example: Utilitarianism fulfillment.
• MOTIVE – Example: Aristotle: “Cultivate
– An act should be judged by the the virtues”, together with the
reasons we have for carrying it principle of the “golden mean”;
out. too much or too little of a
– Example: Kantian ethics based virtue is a bad thing.
on the duty to do the right
thing by others.