| Dimension | Description | Examples |
| Meta-ethics | Nature of ethical thought and language | What is the meaning of ethical terms like “good,” “right,” and “just”? Can we know what is right or wrong? |
| Normative ethics | Development of moral standards | What are the principles or rules that guide moral behavior? Examples include consequentialism, deontology, and virtue ethics. |
| Applied ethics | Application of moral standards to specific issues | Examples include bioethics, business ethics, and environmental ethics. |
| Descriptive ethics | Study of moral behavior and beliefs | How do people actually behave when faced with moral dilemmas? What are the cultural and social factors that influence moral beliefs and behavior? |
| Meta-ontology | Nature of reality and existence | What is the nature of reality? How does it relate to ethics? |
| Axiology | Study of values and value systems | What are the values that are important in ethical decision-making? Examples include autonomy, justice, and beneficence. |
