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Ethical decision-making involves choosing actions that are morally acceptable and align with ethical principles while considering the impact on stakeholders. It requires balancing competing values and interests to arrive at a decision that maximizes positive outcomes and minimizes harm.
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Moral responsibility refers to the status of being accountable for one's actions, especially in terms of ethical or moral obligations. It involves the capacity to understand and act upon moral principles, and is often linked to concepts of free will, blame, and praise.
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Virtue ethics is a philosophical approach that emphasizes the role of character and virtue in moral philosophy, rather than either the consequences of actions or adherence to rules. It suggests that cultivating good character traits leads to moral behavior and a fulfilling life.
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Deontological ethics is a moral theory that emphasizes the importance of duty and adherence to rules or obligations, rather than the consequences of actions, in determining moral rightness. It is often associated with the philosophy of Immanuel Kant, who argued that actions are morally right if they are motivated by a sense of duty and conform to universal moral laws.
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Utilitarianism is an ethical theory that suggests the best action is the one that maximizes overall happiness or utility. It evaluates actions based on their consequences, aiming for the greatest good for the greatest number of people.
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Moral psychology is the study of how humans think and feel about moral issues, encompassing the cognitive processes, emotions, and social factors that influence ethical behavior. It bridges philosophy and psychology to understand how moral reasoning develops and how it affects decision-making and interpersonal relationships.
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Conscience is an inner sense of right and wrong that guides an individual's thoughts and actions, often considered a moral compass shaped by cultural, religious, and personal factors. It plays a crucial role in ethical decision-making and personal integrity, influencing how one perceives and responds to moral dilemmas.
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Altruism is the selfless concern for the well-being of others, often manifesting in actions that benefit others at a personal cost. It challenges the notion of pure self-interest by suggesting that humans can act out of genuine empathy and moral obligation without expecting reciprocity.
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Justice is a foundational principle that seeks to ensure fairness, equality, and moral rightness within a society. It encompasses the distribution of resources, protection of rights, and imposition of appropriate punishment or reward based on ethical and legal standards.
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Fairness is a principle that seeks to ensure impartiality, equity, and justice in the treatment of individuals and the distribution of resources or opportunities. It involves evaluating actions and decisions to ensure they are free from bias, discrimination, and favoritism, thereby promoting equality and respect for all individuals regardless of their background or identity.
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Duty ethics, also known as deontological ethics, is a moral theory that emphasizes the importance of following rules or duties when making ethical decisions, regardless of the consequences. It is primarily associated with the philosopher Immanuel Kant, who argued that actions are morally right if they are done out of a sense of duty and adhere to a universal moral law.
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