The questions brought up by moral philosophy are fundamental questions which
philosophers have argued about for thousands of years. The analyses these philosophers
provide are often derived from complicated reasoning that appears to be impersonal, but
rather is primarily based upon their existing beliefs. However, the study of ethics can
provide valid theories and clarify implications concerning morality, as well as give
direction as to how to practice such moral philosophy. Ethics are traditionally separated
into two major subdivisions: deontological ethical theories including Christian ethics and
katian ethics, and consequentialist ethical theories including utilitarianism and the virtue
The first of the duty based theories is Christian based ethics, a branch of moral
teaching that has built the foundation of the western understanding of morality.
Similarly, even atheistic ethical theories rely heavily upon to the influence of early
developed Christian ethics. The Ten Commandments list various duties and forbidden
activities which apply regardless of the consequences of carrying them out, which is in
strong contrast with consequentialist theory. They are absolute duties, for someone who
believes that the Bible is the word of God will have no doubt about the meaning of right
and wrong. For such a believer morality is a matter of following absolute commands
given by the external authority, or in the Christian faith, God. However, such an
assertion is a relatively simplified perspective, for theological philosophers do argue
about exceptional circumstances when breaking a commandment might be morally
permissible. In addition, Christian morality involves the application of Christ's teaching,
In contrast, there exist a significant number of counter-claims to the theories of
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