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Three ethical theories

Consequentialism (like utilitarianism) evaluates an action by the results it leads to. Deontology (like Kant's categorical imperative) evaluates whether the action follows a moral duty or rule, regardless of outcome. Virtue ethics, going back to Aristotle, emphasizes what character a good person has.

consequence: outcome  duty: rule  virtue: character\text{consequence: outcome} \ \ \text{duty: rule} \ \ \text{virtue: character}the three classic ethical perspectives

Example

Breaking a promise to save more lives can be defended on consequentialist grounds, but condemned on deontological grounds if breaking promises is considered wrong regardless of outcome.

Apply several ethical perspectives to the same case — they often give different, complementary answers.
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Part of Technology, Ethics and Sustainability: Ethics and responsibility.