ANSWER
Normative ethical theories provide frameworks for determining what actions are morally right or wrong. The main types are:
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Deontological Ethics: Focuses on duty and rules. Actions are judged based on their adherence to these duties, regardless of consequences (e.g., Kant’s Categorical Imperative).
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Consequentialism: Judges actions by their outcomes. The most well-known form is Utilitarianism, which seeks the greatest good for the greatest number.
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Virtue Ethics: Emphasizes character and virtues rather than rules or outcomes. It asks what a virtuous person would do in a given situation (e.g., Aristotle’s emphasis on virtues like courage and wisdom).
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Rights-Based Ethics: Centers on the rights of individuals. Actions are right if they respect and protect these rights (e.g., human rights theories).
Each theory offers a different lens for evaluating moral decisions.