Principles , which are sometimes derived from external sources such as institutions or ethical theories, typically provide guidance rather than specify an action. They can assist in prioritizing values by lending greater weight to one value over another. Conflicts which involve legal issues may be solved more readily by a direct appeal to known principles. From these, courses of actions are derived. Which principle has priority in any one decision varies depending on personal beliefs, facts and other contextual information.
Ethical systems are an important part of the process of justifying a particular action.
The simple identification of principles and values is typically not sufficient to make a complex, difficult decision. At some point, justification for a particular choice begins to take place. Some philosophers argue that there really are only two systems for determining what is right or good. The focus is on the consequences or end. Good can be defined by the results of the final action chosen or by following a rule which allows for the most favorable outcome.