Moral theories

As we pointed out in the previous chapter, normative ethics is typically divided into two subfields: moral theory and practical ethics. Moral theory is concerned with what sorts of things are good, which acts are right, and what the relations are between the right and the good. Practical ethics is concerned with the evaluation of particular things as good and bad, and various acts or practices as right or wrong. Moral theory and practical ethics have the same subject-matter, though their perspective is different. Moral theory takes the broad view; it is the telescope through which we view the phenomena. Practical ethics views a narrow band of the same terrain in greater detail; it is the microscope through which we examine our moral lives. Don't worry if you can't keep track of the differences. It is difficult to distinguish cleanly between these fields. In this chapter, however, we will focus on moral theory, and in the rest of the book we will primarily be concerned with questions of practical ethics.

Moral theories often have different starting points, and this leads them to ask different questions. Imagine a typical case that might provoke moral reflection. Suppose that John is changing the oil in his car, and pours the used motor oil down the storm drain on the street. One kind of moral theorist will begin her reflection by focusing on the consequences of John's action: we will call her a “consequentialist”.