Consequentialism The results matter, not the actions themselves. Whatever has the best outcome is the best action. For example, under utilitarianism the goal is to take whatever action maximizes happiness, regardless of the motivations or nature of the action. Deontology & Virtue Ethics Both focus on the action itself rather than the outcomes, and ask whether the action is justifiable in its intent, hence the difference between those and consequentialism. Deontology Deontology is duty ethics, so it compares a person's actions against some duty or imperative. An example is Kant's Deontology, which has the Categorical Imperative that all persons must be ends in and of themselves and may never be used as means. Deontology emphasizes the character of the actions. Virtue Ethics Virtue ethics measure actions against some given set of virtues, with the goal being to be a virtuous person (eudaimonia, the Greeks called it). An example is Stoicism, which, among other aspects, holds the virtues of wisdom, justice, fortitude and temperance. Virtue ethics emphasize the character of the person making the actions. So in short: Consequentialism: What will the outcome of my actions be? Deontology: Are my actions compatible with some imperative? Virtue Ethics: Are my actions motivated by virtue? .