Natural law theory: an action is morally right if it promotes the satisfaction of a natural inclination. it is wrong if it hinders natural inclinations. the four basic natural inclinations: life procreation sociality knowledge conflicts: ex. lying to save a life principle of forfeiture (only applies to life) - you forfeit your own life if you try to take the life of another ex. self defense principle of double effect - if a conflict occurs, it is right to do the action if these three conditions are satisfied: you intend only the good action the good result is not caused by the bad result the good result outweighs the bad result mill's delimma no god? what defines natural? anything animals do is natural are humans animals and therefore anything we do is natural? utilitarianism: an action is right if it [is expected to] produce[s] more happiness than any other [kind of] action an action is wrong if it doesn't maximize happiness AND deserves a reprimand hedons to consider for those affected: pleasure/absence of pain sense of security sense of dignity harmonious development individuality concern for others Kant's deontology: do not treat anyone as a mere means or in a way that no rational person would consent to being treated what does rational consent mean? rational -> infinite value, value in the world comes from rational people, end in and of themselves an action is right if the guiding rule can be willed as a universal law everyone could follow it no rational person would want an exception virtue ethics: an action is right if a virtuous person would do it look at virtues on each side and reasons for choice right action, method, and reasons