1. Branches of Ethics

2. Schools of Ethics Meta-ethics Normative ethics Applied ethics
Study of the meaning of ethics
Normative ethics
Study of moral duties, rules within its social context
Applied ethics
Application of ethical principles
Professional ethics
Applied ethics as it relates to criminal justice professionals

3. Meta-ethics
Investigates where our ethical principles come from, and what they mean. Are they merely social inventions?
Seeks to understand the nature of ethical evaluations or moral statements.
How if at all do we know if something is good
How do moral attitudes motivate actions
How do we know what is right or wrong
Example: Thomas Hobbes
The truth of mankind ideas can be gauged only by self-examination, by looking into our selves to judge our behaviors, thoughts and passions, which is the basis of all actions.
Is mankind inherently good or evil
Look at how are self interest influences our decisions.
The role or reason in motivating our moral actions

4. Normative ethics
Branch of philosophical ethics which classifies actions as right or wrong.
Takes on a more practical task, to arrive at moral standards that regulate right and wrong conduct. This may involve articulating the good habits that we should acquire, the duties that we should follow, or the consequences of our behavior on others.
Attempts to develop a set of rules governing human conduct. What is the right or wrong thing to do.
What is acceptable behavior within any given social context.
What are the outcome of Normative ethics, laws, social norms and code of conduct or the discussion of ethical systems fall under normative ethics.

5. Applied Ethics
Involves examining specific controversial issues, such as gun control, animal rights, environmental concerns, homosexuality, capital punishment, or nuclear war.
Practical application of normative rules
Morality applied to behavior, social interactions
Enforcement of rules, regulations or laws on behavior
Review of ethical dilemmas as it relates to behavior

6. Professional Ethics
Contextual framing of a set of standards regulating behaviors of specific professions, groups or associations.
Business
Criminal justice
Education
Non-profits
Medical