An aspect of philosophy, often debated and discussed, is the section dealing with consequentialism, deontology and virtue ethics. Most philosophers deal with morality by picking a particular aspect and shaping the choice around what they believe is the point of their lives. Each aspect caters to their individual beliefs but it should be mentioned that despite the fact that we keep the aspects under separate labels, we implement all of them in every choice we make.
Let´s break them down a little...
Consequentialism seems to be one of the simpler aspects, looking to have a precise answer for most choices. However, behind that subtle simpleness rests a mountain of complications that can earn someone undesirable titles if they implement it in certain situations.
Think about it this way, consequentialism looks at a choice and says, "What will the consequence be? Where will this lead?" Simple right? Not nearly enough. The consequence can be divided into many sections. The consequence can either have an effect on you or another individual. It depends on your aim in life, for self-happiness (utilitarianism) or for the happiness of others. However, that´s all up to you so I won´t go into too much detail.
Deontology is rather complicated, even at first glance. It is based in entirety on the laws of your environment when faced with a choice. It asks, "What is my duty when it comes to choices like these? What is my obligation." This is closely tied with philosopher Immanuel Kant who believed that morality should be determined completely by the universal laws such as do not lie and do not murder.
"Live your life as though your every act were to become a universal law." - Immanuel Kant
Virtue ethics are by far the most popular. Religion, upbringing and social norms become the most active participants in the nagging thoughts behind every choice for morality. Most likely, what you were raised your whole life to believe will quickly become the most defining factor for you. Consequentialism and deontology consider the action before the virtue whereas virtue ethics will first process the virtue binding the action. The virtue, in turn, defines the action.
Each aspect comes royally into play as we head through our lives, faced with various choices. Most often, we consider the consequences of our actions before rushing headlong into them. We also think of our duty to those around us, our obligations to systematic and universal law. Last but not least, the most important consideration will cross our minds. How were we raised to think about this? What do our core beliefs or religions have to say about this sort of action. Chances are, this will be the swaying vote in your eventual choice.
Perhaps you don´t think about each choice in so much detail but as life goes on, they come vividly into play. That is why each and every moral choice should rather be defined by all three instead of just one.