Ethical Theories

noun a person who is excessively conceited or self-centered

• The egotist only talked about themselves during the entire meeting.
• Don't invite him to the party, he's such an egotist.
• That guy is a total egotist, always boasting about his achievements.
• His ego is so big, he could be mistaken for an egotist.

noun the pursuit of pleasure as a matter of ethical principle

• Some philosophers argue that hedonism is an unsustainable approach to achieving happiness.
• She lives her life according to hedonism, always seeking pleasure and avoiding pain.
• I'm all about that hedonism lifestyle, just living for the moment and having a good time.
• In a society obsessed with consumerism, hedonism can be seen as a form of rebellion against materialism.

noun a person who believes that the pursuit of pleasure is the most important thing in life; a pleasure-seeker

• The hedonist focused solely on maximizing pleasure and minimizing pain in his pursuit of happiness.
• She's such a hedonist, always looking for the next party to attend.
• That guy is a total hedonist, always chasing after a good time.
• In the realm of food critics, he is known as a hedonist for his indulgent reviews.

adjective relating to or characteristic of hedonism; devoted to pleasure

• The hedonistic lifestyle of the wealthy elite is often criticized for its lack of moral values.
• She always chooses the hedonistic option when it comes to dining out.
• Let's throw a hedonistic party this weekend and just let loose.
• Indulging in self-care can sometimes be seen as a hedonistic act in today's fast-paced society.

adjective relating to or characterized by heteronomy, which is the state or condition of being governed by external laws or authorities

• In a heteronomous society, laws and regulations are imposed by an external authority.
• Living in a heteronomous culture means following rules set by someone else.
• I hate feeling heteronomous, I just want to do my own thing.
• Her mind felt heteronomous, controlled by outside influences rather than her own thoughts.

noun a doctrine that identifies God with the universe, or regards the universe as a manifestation of God.

• Pantheism is the belief that all of reality is identical with divinity.
• Some people find comfort in pantheism, seeing the divine in everything around them.
• Pantheism is like believing that the universe is God, man.
• In a figurative sense, pantheism can be seen as finding beauty and divinity in the smallest of details.

adjective relating to or characterized by retribution; serving to repay or punish

• The judge imposed a retributive sentence on the convicted criminal.
• He got what was coming to him with that retributive punishment.
• The retributive justice system really laid down the law on that one.
• Her retributive actions came back to haunt her in the end.

noun a person who believes in or advocates the doctrine of utility

adjective relating to or advocating utility or usefulness

• The utilitarian approach to ethics focuses on maximizing overall happiness.
• She prefers a utilitarian design for her kitchen, with practical and functional elements.
• I'm all about that utilitarian life - give me clothes with lots of pockets!
• His writing style is very utilitarian, getting straight to the point without any unnecessary embellishments.

noun a philosophical position that assigns a negative value to birth and advocates for the prevention of future births

• Antinatalism is a philosophical position that assigns a negative value to birth and procreation.
• Some people believe in antinatalism, which means they think it's wrong to have children.
• Antinatalism is all about saying no to babies.
• In the garden of life, antinatalism is like pruning the tree of existence to prevent further growth.

adjective relating to or characterized by eudaemonism, the belief that happiness is the highest good

• The philosopher's eudaemonistic beliefs centered around the idea that true happiness comes from living a virtuous life.
• She always tries to maintain an eudaemonistic outlook, believing that positivity attracts positivity.
• I'm all about that eudaemonistic vibe, man.
• His artwork was a reflection of his eudaemonistic spirit, capturing the beauty and joy of life.

adjective relating to or based on duty or obligation

• The deontological approach to ethics focuses on the moral duty or obligation of an individual.
• Some people believe in deontological ethics, which means they think actions are inherently right or wrong.
• I don't really vibe with that deontological stuff, I prefer to just go with my gut.
• In a world where deontological principles are often overlooked, it's refreshing to see someone stand firm in their beliefs.

adjective describing someone or something as having unlimited or infinite goodness and kindness

• The concept of an omnibenevolent deity is central to many religious beliefs.
• She is known for her omnibenevolent nature, always looking out for others.
• My grandma is like an omnibenevolent angel, always baking us cookies and giving us money.
• The sun could be seen as omnibenevolent, providing warmth and light to all living creatures.

noun a person who believes in or advocates absolute principles or doctrines

adjective relating to or adhering to absolutism; absolute

• The philosopher believed in an absolutist approach to ethics, where certain actions are always right or wrong.
• My friend has a very absolutist view on politics - she thinks her way is the only right way.
• Some people call him an absolutist because he never changes his mind, no matter what.
• Her absolutist attitude towards life leaves no room for compromise or flexibility.

noun a person's name or a character in literature

adjective describing something as good or virtuous

• Agatha Christie is considered one of the greatest mystery writers of all time.
• I'm reading an Agatha Christie novel right now, it's so good!
• Agatha's books are lit, I can't put them down!
• Her writing style is like a puzzle, each piece fitting perfectly like an Agatha Christie plot.

noun the doctrine that all things tend towards ultimate good

• Agathism is the belief that all things ultimately tend towards good.
• Some people believe in agathism, the idea that everything will work out for the best in the end.
• Agathism is like seeing the silver lining in every cloud.
• Embracing agathism is like always looking for the light at the end of the tunnel.