"Where we are tempted to speak of 'different senses' of a word which is clearly not equivocal, we may infer that we are in fact pretty much in the dark about the character of the concept which it represents."

— G.E.M Anscombe, Intention

What are 'Ethics', 'Value Theory' and 'Moral Psychology'?

Ethics is the study of what it is to be a good person or a good human being. The philosophical study of ethics includes examination of the principles of ethical reasoning, conceptual investigation of the different human virtues (such as justice, kindness, courage and prudence), and analysis of methods by which conflicts of duties and ethical dilemmas may be resolved.

Value Theory, or The Theory of Value, is the examination of the basic concepts and principles of value judgments, in all their variety and complexity. Topics central to Value Theory are: What is it to value something? What is it to evaluate something, i.e. to make a value judgment? Are values subject to rational criticism? How about value judgments? What is the relationship between valuing something and evaluating it?

Moral Psychology investigates the overlapping area of philosophy of mind and philosophy of action: What is the nature of intention? What is a reason for acting? What are the conditions of responsibility? Is a motive different from a reason? These are the questions at the center of moral psychology.